Iran bans “gay” haircuts, offenders to be “dealt with”

Iranian religious hardliners have banned men’s hairstyles and grooming techniques that are deemed to be “gay” or that “promote Satanism”.

According to The Guardian, Iran’s barbers’ union confirmed the ban to the Isna news agency on Monday.

“Devil-worshipping hairstyles are forbidden. Any shop that cuts hair in the devil worshipping style will be harshly dealt with and their licence revoked. Tattoos, solarium treatments and plucking eyebrows [for men] are also forbidden,” said Mostafa Govahi, head of the union.

He explained that “western hairstyles” that violate Islamic regulations would not be allowed and barbers who do not comply “will be dealt with.”

In a separate interview with the Manoto television channel, Govahi elaborated further that, “Haircuts that show symbols or signs of devil worshippers or those adopted by homosexuals are banned.”

He revealed that a list of acceptable hairstyles for men had been circulated to barbers around the county.

“I won’t allow such wrongful western styles as long as I’m in this position,” Govahi added.

Homosexuality, which has often been equated with Satanism in Iran, is punishable by imprisonment and even the death penalty.

The country has in the past insisted that it only executes people charged with rape and not adult consensual gay sex, but this has been disputed by activists.