Libya to Introduce Morality Police to Ensure Women Wear their Hijabs in public

Libya is set to introduce a controversial new policy aimed at regulating women’s attire in public, with the establishment of a “morality police” tasked with ensuring that women adhere to the country’s interpretation of Islamic dress codes, specifically the wearing of the hijab.

This move has sparked widespread debate, both domestically and internationally, as it raises significant questions about personal freedoms, gender equality, and state intervention in private lives. The establishment of such a force would grant authorities the power to enforce religiously-motivated dress codes, limiting women’s freedom of expression and potentially increasing pressure on women to conform to a rigid and patriarchal vision of public decency.

In addition to the hijab regulations, a new law has been proposed that would require women to obtain the permission of a male guardian—typically a father, husband, or brother—before they can travel abroad. This law, if enacted, would further restrict women’s autonomy and ability to make independent decisions about their lives.

Critics argue that this is a step backwards for women’s rights, reinforcing a system of male guardianship that undermines women’s agency and their ability to move freely in the world. The law also suggests a broader trend of repressive measures that limit women’s participation in society, potentially isolating them from opportunities for education, work, and personal development.

The Libyan Minister of Interior, in defending these policies, made a controversial statement, suggesting that those who disagree with the new laws should consider emigrating to Europe. This remark has been seen as dismissive of the concerns raised by human rights advocates and women’s groups within Libya and abroad.

Critics argue that such rhetoric undermines the very notion of dialogue and reform, positioning dissent as something unpatriotic or incompatible with national values. It also highlights the tension between governmental authority and individual freedoms, especially for women, who would be most directly affected by these policies.

These developments have prompted widespread concern from international human rights organizations, which have called on Libya to respect the rights and freedoms of women and to avoid further eroding their social standing. In the context of Libya’s ongoing political instability and challenges to its governance, these new measures risk exacerbating divisions within the country, particularly along lines of gender and individual rights.

While the government insists these measures are in line with Islamic principles, critics argue that they reflect a deeply conservative and regressive interpretation of the faith that undermines the rights of women and stifles progress toward a more inclusive and equal society.