Gender ‘mingling’ in health clubs must be avoided: MP

During a recent parliamentary session on January 15, 2024, the Committee for Promoting Values and Addressing Negative Phenomena focused its attention on moral and public taste violations within public spaces, specifically addressing the mingling phenomenon observed in certain health clubs.

MP Muhammad Hayef, the head of the committee, shared insights with the media at the National Assembly’s media center, revealing that the committee extensively examined issues related to health clubs, taking into account numerous complaints from citizens about legal and ethical breaches occurring within these establishments.

To address concerns and discuss the enforcement of existing laws and regulations, representatives from the Ministry of Commerce and the Municipality were invited to participate in the session. Haif emphasized that the regulations set forth by the Ministry of Municipality apply not only to general stores but also extend to places like health clubs. Citing the decision of the Minister of State for Municipal Affairs, Hayef explained that the regulations explicitly prohibit stores from operating in a manner conflicting with Sharia provisions, as determined by official fatwas. Moreover, the regulations specifically forbid the employment of individuals of one gender in establishments traditionally associated with the opposite gender, such as men in women’s beauty salons or vice versa.

Trade decisions further support and reinforce these prohibitions. Hayef underscored the committee’s vital role in activating and ensuring the implementation of existing laws, emphasizing its responsibility to question authorities about their enforcement of these regulations.