Iran Halts Implementation of New Stricter Headscarf Law Amid Protests Concerns

Iran has decided to pause the implementation of a new law mandating stricter hijab rules for women, according to an official. This decision comes amid concerns that the law could reignite protests similar to those following Mahsa Amini's death in 2022. The legislation, approved by parliament in September 2023, will not be forwarded to the government this week as initially planned.

The proposed law introduces harsher penalties for women who do not wear the hijab and for businesses that serve them. Iran's reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian had previously rejected these penalties while attempting to restart negotiations with Western countries over nuclear-related sanctions. The law's suspension was confirmed by Shahram Dabiri, vice president in charge of parliamentary affairs, during an interview with Ham Mihan daily.

Legislative and Executive Decisions

Dabiri stated that top executive, legislative, and judiciary bodies collectively decided to halt the legislation temporarily. He mentioned that implementing the bill is currently "not feasible," without providing further details. If the bill had reached the government, President Pezeshkian would have been required to endorse it within five days, leading to its enactment in 15 days.

The president lacks the authority to veto such bills but could appeal to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to stop it. Alternatively, Pezeshkian might refuse to enforce the law or instruct police not to implement it, potentially causing a constitutional crisis that hard-liners might exploit against him.

Potential Impact of the Law

The new law outlines fines of USD 800 for first offenses and USD 1,500 for second offenses, with prison terms up to 15 years for third offenses. Celebrities and public figures could face confiscation of 8% of their net worth, while businesses risk closure and fines for serving women without headscarves. Travel bans would also apply to offenders.

The legislation would allow foreign nationals in Iran, including millions of Afghans, to act as informers reporting women not wearing hijabs. Business owners and taxi drivers would be encouraged to report uncovered women or face cash fines themselves. The law's scope is extensive even by Islamic Republic standards.

Public Reaction and Historical Context

Following Mahsa Amini's death on September 16, 2022, after her arrest by morality police for allegedly improper hijab wearing, widespread protests erupted. Iran denies responsibility for her death but UN investigators concluded she suffered physical violence leading to her demise. The subsequent crackdown resulted in over 500 deaths and more than 22,000 detentions.

Despite existing hijab laws, many Iranian women continue defying them by appearing in public without headscarves. The new law also proposes allowing police access to private surveillance footage and recordings from security forces, the Defence Ministry, and Iran's civilian nuclear agency.

The decision not to advance the legislation reflects ongoing tensions within Iran regarding women's rights and governmental control. As authorities navigate these challenges, the future of such laws remains uncertain.