Iran mahr law reform debate

Zahra Behrouzazar, Iran’s Vice President for Women and Family Affairs, has raised concerns regarding legislative amendments to the Civil Code and laws governing the execution of financial convictions, specifically focusing on mahr (dowry) payments.

Initially, Behrouzazar criticized the use of a fixed number of gold coins as a legal benchmark for dowry, arguing the figure lacks a technical basis and lacks flexibility regarding a man’s financial capacity. Government officials noted an interest in preventing increased prison populations resulting from dowry debts and emphasized that legislation should support the family unit without being gender-biased.

As the proposed reforms moved to the Guardian Council and the Expediency Discernment Council for review, Behrouzazar warned that the current proposals may contain discrepancies with the constitution, Sharia law, and general state policies. She cautioned against isolated reforms to mahr laws, suggesting that any changes must be part of a comprehensive adjustment to broader family laws, including divorce rights, property division, and employment rights, to ensure legal balance.