Iranian Cultural Institutions Condemn 'Hijab and Chastity' Law

Three prominent Iranian cultural institutions have criticized the "Hijab and Chastity" law, calling it a threat to national unity and social peace.

The Iranian House of Cinema, House of Theater, and House of Music issued a joint statement on Wednesday condemning the law as "anti-national and divisive."

"We find it necessary to express our serious concern regarding the so-called Hijab and Chastity law," the statement reads.

"The anti-national and divisive nature of this law, whose authors, disregarding the principles of wisdom, rationality, and the need for social acceptance, have expanded criminalization to encompass over half of the population."

The cultural bodies called on "intellectuals, legal experts, sociologists, and all the dedicated people of this great nation to use reason, logic, and goodwill to prevent the enforcement of this harmful and divisive law."

The law, which has undergone several revisions between Parliament and the Guardian Council, includes 74 articles and is set to 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.