Iran Set To Impose , Harsher Punishments For , Violating Hijab Laws.<br />BBC reports that Iran has passed a controversial <br />new bill increasing the prison terms and fines <br />for women who break strict dress code laws.<br />According to the new bill, which still needs the approval <br />of the Guardian Council to become law, anyone dressed <br />"inappropriately" could face up to ten years in jail. .<br />The new measure comes one year after widespread <br />protests over the death of Mahsa Amini, who died while <br />being held by morality police for violating hijab laws.<br />In response to Amini's death, women <br />burnt their headscarves at nationwide <br />protests against the clerical establishment. .<br />Hundreds of people were reportedly <br />killed in a crackdown by security forces <br />in response to the demonstrations.<br />On September 20, members of <br />the Iranian parliament voted 152 to 34 <br />to pass the "Hijab and Chastity Bill.".<br />The bill would give any person caught dressed <br />"inappropriately" a prison sentence between five <br />to ten years and a fine between $3,651 to $7,302.<br />BBC reports that the bill also includes measures <br />to punish anyone "promoting nudity" or <br />"making fun of the hijab" on social networks <br />and in the media.<br />Earlier in September, eight United Nations <br />human rights experts said that the bill , "could be described as a form of gender apartheid, as authorities <br />appear to be governing through systemic discrimination with the<br />intention of suppressing women and girls into total submission.".<br />The bill also violates fundamental rights, <br />including the right to take part in cultural <br />life, the prohibition of gender discrimination, <br />freedom of opinion and expression, <br />the right to peaceful protest, and the right <br />to access social, educational, and health <br />services, and freedom of movement, United Nations experts, via BBC
