Iran Enacts Controversial ‘Chastity’ Law Introducing Stricter Dress Codes, Despite Presidential Opposition

     Iran’s parliament has passed a controversial “chastity and hijab” law, significantly intensifying the country’s strict dress codes, which have already led to widespread protests and tested the stability of the regime. This decision follows a series of demonstrations in 2022, ignited by the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini while in custody of the morality police, which triggered national protests against Iran’s compulsory hijab laws.

The new law, approved by both parliament and the Guardian Council, was passed on Sunday and is awaiting President Masoud Pezeshkian’s signature to become law. However, Pezeshkian, a reformist elected in 2023, has expressed opposition to the legislation, signaling a potential conflict with the influential conservative factions that have driven the law. While the president’s role in signing the bill is largely ceremonial, his stance on the law could put him at odds with the hardline conservatives who have dominated the legislative process. Pezeshkian has stated that the hijab law is vague and that implementing such measures could disturb social harmony. He called for more dialogue around the issue, suggesting that stricter enforcement would only create tension.

The law introduces stricter dress codes for both men and women, imposing severe penalties for violations. Women, for example, will face punishment for wearing clothing that exposes parts of the body such as the neck, forearms, or ankles, while men are prohibited from exposing areas like the chest, shoulders, and knees. The law applies fines for initial offenses, but repeated violations could result in heavier consequences such as prison sentences, travel bans, and restrictions on internet access. Businesses that fail to enforce the dress code will also face financial penalties, advertising restrictions, and potential prison sentences.

This legislation comes with a crackdown on digital spaces as well. Social media platforms will be required to monitor and remove content that is deemed to violate the dress code, which could target influencers and public figures who publicly oppose the hijab law or promote non-compliant attire. Those who encourage non-compliance could face financial penalties up to 5% of their total assets and travel restrictions. This part of the law reflects the government’s increasing control over digital platforms and its attempt to regulate online discourse around dress codes.

The law also introduces expanded surveillance measures, with footage from traffic cameras and government monitoring systems being used to track offenders. Artificial intelligence will aid in the detection of dress code violations, and citizens are encouraged to report non-compliant behavior through a public police reporting system, further increasing surveillance and societal control.

Critics of the law, such as Sina Toossi, a senior fellow at the Center for International Policy in Washington, D.C., have warned that it could backfire. Toossi argues that the law reflects a miscalculation of public sentiment and could destabilize Iran further. He believes that rather than preserving traditional social norms, it may ignite more protests and unrest, as seen in 2022. Toossi’s concerns are shared by many who fear that the government’s hardline approach risks further alienating the public, especially the younger generation, who have increasingly resisted these conservative laws.

The passage of the bill is also notable for the secrecy surrounding its approval. The bill was introduced in parliament in May 2023 under former President Ebrahim Raisi, and it bypassed public debates or scrutiny on the floor of the legislature. Hardline factions in the parliament have pushed the bill through with minimal transparency, demonstrating the political dominance of conservative elements within Iran’s political structure. Many believe this process reflects the imbalance of power in the country, where the hardline conservative system undermines the mandate of the reformist administration and president.

As the law progresses toward implementation, it highlights the deepening divide within Iranian politics. The reformist leadership, including President Pezeshkian, has struggled to counterbalance the powerful conservative forces that dominate the political landscape. The law, which introduces harsh penalties, surveillance, and restrictions on public expression, is set to exacerbate the growing tensions between the government and a population that is increasingly pushing for greater freedom and reforms. With protests continuing and public opposition to the law growing, it remains to be seen how the Iranian government will respond to the challenges posed by this new legislation and the ongoing resistance to compulsory dress codes.