As of today, 39 out of the 70 articles have been examined and adopted. Mullah Naghdali, a member of the legal commission, disclosed to the state-run Tasnim news agency on August 15 that the reviewed articles largely concern the roles and responsibilities of various ministries and institutions in enforcing the provisions of the bill. However, Naghdali hinted at potential roadblocks ahead, stating that articles after the 38th are more contentious and will require a more thorough examination.
Among the bill’s provisions is the stipulation concerning penalties for girls under 18. Hossein Jalali, MP from Rafsanjan, clarified that while imprisonment is off the table for individuals below 18, other forms of punishment remain.
“There are financial penalties, deprivation of social rights,” he explained during an open session of the parliament on August 15. Jalali further elaborated on potential ramifications, highlighting that young girls and women may face restrictions on social services and incurring financial penalties.
In a strategic move to expedite the bill’s passage, the mullahs’ parliament opted on August 13 for the Hijab and Chastity bill to be scrutinized by the Legal Commission rather than debated extensively on the parliament’s open floor. This decision, made in line with Article 85 of the Constitution, was motivated by the overwhelming number of amendments—over 1600 in total—proposed by the representatives. The parliament’s decision witnessed 175 votes in favor, 49 against, with 5 abstentions.
Laws enacted under Article 85 will undergo a “trial basis” before receiving the parliament’s final approval. Following this, the bill will move to the Guardian Council for final ratification.
Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, the President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, voiced her concerns on Twitter, noting the internal divisions within the parliament and rising public outrage against the bill. Rajavi praised the resilience of Iranian youth, especially young women, in opposing the government’s oppressive measures.
Echoing this sentiment, Amanollah Gharaii Moghadam, a state-affiliated sociologist, cautioned the parliament, pointing to the current societal unrest and emphasizing the vast intellectual shifts the Iranian society has undergone.
The forthcoming discussions and decisions on the remaining articles will undoubtedly be closely watched, both domestically and internationally.
MEK Iran (follow us on Twitter and Facebook), Maryam Rajavi’s on her site, Twitter & Facebook, NCRI (Twitter & Facebook), and People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran – MEK IRAN – YouTu
