http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/3145969.stm
A bill calling on Iran to join an international agreement on women's rights has been rejected by the government's supervisory body.
The Guardian Council has defied parliament and rejected an international treaty which aims to eliminate discrimination against women.
Iranian state television said the Council had decided to turn down the United Nations' convention claiming it was against Sharia law and the constitution.
The reformist-dominated parliament ratified the bill last month believing it would help promote Iran's image abroad and help domestic problems at home.
That decision provoked bitter denunciation by hardliners, many of whom claimed the convention was colonialist and against the Islamic code.
The decision to reject the UN convention aimed at improving women's rights will come as no surprise.
The unelected Guardian Council, which vets all legislation in accordance with Sharia law, is controlled by hardliners.
They have rejected scores of bills passed by parliament, including several on human rights.