Among the efforts to pursue the inherent rights of humans regarding the right to freely choose their clothing and fiery debates among groups in favor of the mandatory dress code for women in Iran, the Islamic Consultative Assembly introduced a controversial bill on hijab and chastity. This bill, designed with the aim of strictly enforcing the mandatory dress code laws, has sparked a wave of civil resistance and disobedience among individuals and groups who see it as a direct violation of their personal freedoms and a clear challenge to their inherent independence. With the intensification of human rights discourse inside Iran and beyond its borders, Iranian men and women have come together with courage and determination to demand transformative changes in the human rights situation in Iran by fighting against these oppressive laws.

The main topic of discussion in this article is the newly introduced bill on hijab and chastity; a law that has sparked a explosive combination of controversy and debate. This bill, approved by the judicial and legal committee, grants a wide range of powers to intelligence agencies and law enforcement institutions – a consortium that includes the Ministry of Intelligence, the Revolutionary Guards Intelligence Organization, and the Judiciary Intelligence Organization. It is worth noting that this consortium, which is complemented by agencies such as the police, paramilitary Basij forces, and the Command of Enjoining Good and Forbidding Wrong, has been strategically positioned to take punitive action against men and women who deviate from the prescribed boundaries of mandatory dress.

However, the impact of this bill is not limited to the realm of mandatory hijab enforcement. In fact, the scope of this bill encompasses a complex framework of gender segregation in various social spheres, including educational institutions such as universities, government offices, educational institutions that shape future generations, public parks, tourist destinations, and even hospital treatment facilities. The wide range of this law proposes a spectrum of punishments, some of which, particularly severe, include a cruel combination of imprisonment and shocking fines with the aim of suppressing any opposition against the mandatory hijab law.

Within the framework of this bill, Article 50 plays a central role in suppressing opponents of compulsory hijab. The strict mechanism in place is designed to quickly neutralize any resistance against the prescribed norms. Anyone appearing in public with clothing that is deemed too revealing or against the standards of modesty (according to the government’s perspective) will be quickly arrested and essentially stripped of their fundamental freedoms. For individuals who persist in disobedience to this law and are repeatedly punished, harsher penalties are considered. The scope of this bill goes beyond the enforcement of mandatory dress codes. The punishments outlined in this bill even include those who are thought to be promoting non-compliance with hijab or insulting the issue of hijab. The potential punishments are wide-ranging, from monetary fines to international travel bans and restrictions on online activities, all at the discretion of the judicial authorities.

The root of the establishment of these laws can be traced back to a deliberate tragedy that sparked a fresh wave of civil resistance in response to the mandatory hijab. The bitter death of Mahsa Amini (Ghina) who was arrested by the morality police for violating the hijab, ignited a new and powerful movement. Her untimely death was a clear manifestation of the consequences of the mismatch between the current situation and existing realities, like a cry that has been suppressed for years. In response to this crime, tens of thousands of Iranians gathered under the banner of the “Women, Life, Freedom” movement, united in their uncompromising stance for change. These activists, who are seeking change, are not just representatives of a specific segment of society, but have come together with empathy and a common goal to uproot the oppressive situation. Prominent figures from various fields – sports, entertainment, and human rights activities – have injected new momentum into this wave of growing civil disobedience.

Beyond the issue of clothing, resistance against hijab laws is a symbol of a broader struggle; a struggle that goes beyond the limitations of dress codes. It serves as evidence of the resilience of a population that refuses to submit to the weight of oppressive policies and the suppression of individual freedoms. As Iranians face potential defeats, their unwavering determination serves as a guiding light and marks the beginning of a period of intense rebellion against laws designed to oppress them. The disregard for hijab, once just a type of clothing, has become a powerful symbol of resistance and embodies the spirit of bravery in the people who refuse to be silenced.

In the face of these great challenges, the civil resistance movement in Iran against mandatory hijab laws is a manifestation of the indomitable spirit of the people of this country. The introduction of the Hijab and Chastity Bill has acted as a catalyst and sparked a wave of protests and demonstrations, emphasizing the depth of determination and will of the Iranians. While these individuals continue to defend their autonomy, dignity, and fundamental rights, the world watches in awe and presents a display of solidarity and support for their unwavering and courageous struggles for freedom. This movement is a testament to the power of unity, the enduring pursuit of justice, and the endless desire of humanity to reclaim agency in the face of adversity.