Cartoon by Andryi Petrenko

Iranian Cleric Criticizes New Hijab Law

IranWire: A seminary teacher in Iran has warned that the new Hijab and Chastity Law may lead young Iranians to reject religious teachings.

Mustafa Mohaghegh Damad wrote in a letter that the law passed by Parliament is unimplementable and against the public interest.

“Recently, a law titled The Family Support Law through Promoting the Culture of Chastity and Hijab was passed in Parliament, which, according to my information, the executive branch is not prepared to implement and considers unimplementable and against the public interest,” he stated.

The cleric added, “Senior officials have consistently emphasized in meetings with state authorities that the issue of hijab should be addressed culturally, not through beating citizens. However, the approval of this law contradicts the views and advice of religious authorities.”

While Mohaghegh Damad declared the law contrary to the views of religious authorities, no Shia religious leaders have publicly opposed it. They have only called for “cultural” efforts alongside legal measures.

He warned that the law could potentially backfire, driving young Iranians to emigrate.

The law, which passed after several revisions between Parliament and the Guardian Council, includes 74 articles and will be officially communicated to enforcement agencies on December 13.

It introduces severe financial penalties and extensive social restrictions for women who refuse to comply with mandatory hijab regulations.