Iran’s parliament approved a bill Wednesday that would toughen penalties for women found to be violating the Islamic Republic’s dress code for a trial period of three years.
The so-called “Bill to Support the Family by Promoting the Culture of Chastity and Hijab” passed with 152 votes in favor, 34 against and seven abstentions, according to the country’s judiciary. The bill now requires the approval of Iran's Guardian Council, a 12-member body empowered to vet legislation.
The bill was first proposed in April and then amended by the Parliamentary Judicial Commission in July. Its approval coincides with the first anniversary of the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini and the ensuing protests against the ruling regime in Iran.
Massive nationwide protests erupted last September in response to the death of Amini, who was arrested by the country’s morality police for allegedly violating the Islamic dress code.
