Title: Parliament Seeks Balanced Dowry Reform to Protect Families and Uphold Rights
In a significant legislative move, Iranian lawmakers are meticulously crafting a new dowry law aimed at fostering family stability and ensuring justice for both men and women. The proposed reforms seek to address long-standing issues within the current system, prioritizing flexibility and support.
A Shift from Punishment to Resolution
Mohammad Bayat, Secretary of the Councils and Internal Affairs Commission of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, highlighted the primary objective of the new legislation. He stated that the parliament’s goal is to create a more flexible and supportive law for young people imprisoned due to their inability to pay the dowry.
“Imprisoning individuals over dowry payments benefits neither the family nor helps resolve the underlying issue,” Bayat emphasized, signaling a shift towards rehabilitative and conciliatory measures over punitive ones.
Ensuring Equilibrium in Rights
A cornerstone of the proposed reform is the establishment of a careful balance between the rights of both spouses. Officials have stressed that the new law must not, under any circumstances, lead to the neglect of women’s security and legal rights.
“The law must be formulated in a way that prevents any injustice towards women while also observing the rights of men, establishing a logical balance between the two parties,” Bayat added. This dual-focused approach, or “zoujohatein,” is central to the legislation, ensuring that the welfare of the entire family unit is considered.
Collaborative Refinements for a Fair Outcome
The legal team of the Vice Presidency for Women and Family Affairs has been actively collaborating with parliament in drafting this law. According to Bayat, this collaboration has been positive, with initial articles of the draft receiving approval. However, he noted that articles beyond the fourth require further review to eliminate any potential for injustice against women and to fully preserve their entitlements.
The legislative process is also being guided by foundational religious principles. Bayat clarified that the law is being designed so that both parties benefit appropriately, with a firm emphasis on justice, fairness, and the rights of all stakeholders.
A Deliberate and Consensus-Driven Process
Assuring a meticulous and sensitive approach, the parliament is committed to a thorough examination of all proposals and articles within the draft. The overarching aim is to achieve a broad consensus and consider every aspect to simultaneously safeguard the rights of both women and men, thereby strengthening the social fabric of the family.