Public decency has been defined by authorities as a “set of behaviours and morals that reflect the country’s social norms, values and identity”. Places outside a person’s home will be affected by the law. These include shopping centres, sports clubs and gyms, parks and restaurants. Under the law, behaviour or appearances deemed indecent could be fined by up to 5,000 riyals [$1,333]. The authorities responsible for issuing fines under the legislation include the Ministry of Interior and the Tourism Authority.
For many, the public decency law is just another quest by authorities to control every aspect of social life. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has led unprecedented reforms aiming for a more liberal interpretation of the kingdom’s conservative social norms. Analysts have warned that the reforms are merely cosmetic changes, allowing the kingdom to attract positive international publicity, while at the same time launching a huge crackdown on activists – including women’s rights campaigners.
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