Majlis of Iran

The Majlis (مجلس), which means "The parliament", was the lower house of the Iranian Legislature from 1906 to 1979. After the Islamic Revolution, when the Iranian Legislature became unicameral, the Majlis became the main legislative body. Majlis currently has 290 representatives, changed from the previous 270 seats since the February 18, 2000 election.

Related Topics:
Iran - 1906 - 1979 - Islamic Revolution - February 18 - 2000

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It was first created by a clause in the 1906 Iranian Constitution and soon gained power under the rule of the Pahlavi dynasty. Noteworthy bills passed by the Majlis under the Pahlavis include the Oil Nationalization Bill (March 15, 1951) and the Family Protection Law (1967), which gave women many basic rights such as custody of children in case of divorce. After the Iranian Revolution, the upper house (Senate) was dissolved and the lower level National Counsultative Assembly (مجلس شورای ملی) became the Islamic Counsultative Assembly (مجلس شورای اسلامی). Even though the Majlis has been known to voice opposition to both the Pahlavis and Islamic Republic policies, its power is not as great as that of the legislative bodies in the United States.

Related Topics:
1906 Iranian Constitution - Pahlavi dynasty - March 15 - 1951 - 1967 - Iranian Revolution - Islamic Republic - United States

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Women were not allowed to vote or be elected to the Majlis until 1963. This reform was opposed by some Islamic clerics, including Ayatollah Khomeini, who claimed that it was a plot to bring women to the public society, and out of the protection of the traditional family. The events led to a revolt on June 5, 1963 and the exile of Khomeini to Iraq. The twenty-first National Consultative Assembly, which included female representatives, opened on October 6, 1963.

Related Topics:
1963 - Ayatollah Khomeini - June 5 - Iraq - October 6

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The current speaker of Majlis is Gholam Ali Haddad-Adel, with first deputy speaker Mohammad Reza Bahonar and second deputy speaker Mohammad Hassan Aboutorabi-Fard

Related Topics:
Gholam Ali Haddad-Adel - Mohammad Reza Bahonar - Mohammad Hassan Aboutorabi-Fard

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