Iran’s new hijab law is sending shockwaves across the world, as it imposes some of the harshest penalties yet on women and girls who fail to comply with mandatory dress codes. The legislation, officially called The Law on Protecting the Family through the Promotion of the Culture of Chastity and Hijab, introduces extreme measures, including prison sentences of up to 15 years and even the possibility of death under charges of “corruption on earth.” Girls as young as 12 are subject to the law, which represents an alarming escalation in the government’s control over women’s bodies.
UN-appointed human rights experts have strongly condemned the law, calling it a fundamental violation of women’s rights. They argue that it not only limits women’s freedom to choose how they dress but also intensifies State control over personal autonomy. What makes the situation even more concerning is that the legislation doesn’t stop at individual punishment—it systematically embeds these oppressive values into every aspect of society. Educational curricula, public information campaigns, and workplace policies are all required to promote a so-called “culture of chastity,” further entrenching gender-based discrimination.
The law also compels ordinary citizens to act as enforcers, turning families, businesses, and neighbors into watchdogs. Non-compliance must be reported, and advanced surveillance technology will be used to track and penalize violators. Experts warn that this approach will create an atmosphere of fear and mistrust within communities, with vulnerable groups, such as children and social media users, particularly at risk of severe consequences.
While Iran has long enforced mandatory hijab requirements, this legislation pushes restrictions to unprecedented levels. The harsh penalties, combined with mandatory surveillance and societal enforcement, create what UN experts describe as a comprehensive system of gender-based persecution. They have called on the Iranian government to repeal this law immediately and eliminate all discriminatory practices that target women and girls.
law isn’t just about clothing—it’s about power and control
This law isn’t just about clothing—it’s about power and control. By mandating veiling and embedding these principles into public life, the Iranian government is effectively erasing women’s rights to freedom of expression, religion, bodily autonomy, and privacy. The implications extend far beyond Iran, as this is a stark reminder of how easily fundamental freedoms can be stripped away.
What Does This New Law Mean?
The legislation, officially titled The Law on Protecting the Family through the Promotion of the Culture of Chastity and Hijab, is a deep dive into State control over women’s bodies. It expands Iran’s existing hijab rules, which were already mandatory under the Islamic Penal Code, and layers on new, draconian punishments.
In short:
Prison sentences of up to 15 years for not wearing a hijab.
Higher fines for non-compliance.
Judges can even impose the death penalty under charges of “corruption on earth.”
But it doesn’t stop there. The law also forces hijab rules into every corner of Iranian society, embedding the so-called “culture of chastity” into education systems, workplace policies, and even public campaigns.
The international community must stand in solidarity with Iranian women and girls and demand accountability from those in power. These oppressive laws cannot go unchecked. Let’s ensure the voices of those impacted are heard, and their fight for basic human rights doesn’t go unnoticed.
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