[JURIST] Government officials in Iran [JURIST news archive] are working on a draft bill [excerpts], that would encourage a return to traditional Islamic religious dress [JURIST news archive] in the workplace and in public. According to the Islamic Republic News Agency [official website], Majlis [Wikipedia backgrounder] deputies gave preliminary approval [IRNA report] to the draft last Sunday in Iran's parliament. The bill will establish a Cultural Commission led by the Ministry of Culture and the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting agency, who will promote the stricter dress code through festivals and exhibitions. The bill also asks the commerce department to raise tariffs on imported clothing.

The lone Jewish MP in the Iranian parliament dismissed allegations [Tehran Times report] raised by a Canadian newspaper last week that the bill would force religious minorities to identify themselves with special markings. No date has been set for a final vote on the bill in the Iranian parliament. AP has more.