An Islamic Republic

Iran calls itself an Islamic Republic, which means that it's people live under Islamic, or sharia, law. To help us see what that entails, Matt Tardio has compiled a list of twenty laws to which the Iranian people are subject, and which devout Muslims aspire to impose on everyone, everywhere:

1. Apostasy (Leaving Islam): Punishable by death, especially for men who publicly renounce Islam. Women can face life in prison.
2. Homosexuality: Gay men can be executed; lesbians face 100 lashes. Even suspicion can result in arrest or forced confessions.
3. Blasphemy: Insulting the Prophet or sacred Islamic figures is punishable by death. This includes online posts, art, or speech.
4. Adultery (Sex outside marriage): Married offenders can be stoned to death. Unmarried receive 100 lashes. Applies to men and women.
5. “Corruption on Earth”: A vague charge used against dissenters, protesters, or activists. Often results in the death penalty.
6. Alcohol Consumption: Muslims caught drinking get 80 lashes per offense. 4-time offenders risk execution.
7. Female Hijab Law: Mandatory for all women. Punishment is imprisonment up to 10 years, flogging, fines, surveillance.
8. Criticism of the Supreme Leader: Even memes can lead to arrest. Public dissent brings 1–10 years in prison.
9. Same-sex relationships (non-penetrative): Still criminal. Punishable by lashes, prison, or worse.
10. Public Affection (Unmarried couples): Holding hands or kissing in public can get up to 74 lashes.
11. Women Need Husband’s Permission to Travel: Even for passports or leaving the country.
12. Child Marriage Legal age: Girls 13 or younger with father's or court approval.
13. Compulsory Military Service (Men only): Failure to serve results in being banned from travel, jobs, and university.
14. Cybercrime & Online Dissent: Criticizing Islam or the regime online is punishable by imprisonment, asset seizure, surveillance.
15. Western Music & Clothing: "Immoral" music, films, and fashion are banned with fines, confiscation, or arrest for disobeying.
16. Women Banned from Stadiums: Women are largely prohibited from attending men’s sports. Defiance results in arrest.
17. Public Singing or Dancing (Women): Illegal to sing solo or dance in public. Punishable by fines or jail.
18. Gender Segregation: Schools, buses, and workplaces are often segregated by law. Violations result in fines or expulsion.
19. Dog Ownership: Dogs are "unclean." Walking one in public could cost you jail time or seizure of your pet.
20. Baha’i Persecution: Adherents of the Baha’i religion can't hold government jobs, attend university, or practice freely.

Young men executed in Iran for homosexuality