Three nations' legislation that effectively bans women from wearing lacy underwear, has caused a wave of backlash from citizens who want the government to stay out of their dresser drawers.
A customs union comprised of Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus have submitted a regulation that calls for clothing that sits on the skin to consist of at least six percent cotton. Legislators have cited health reasons for this proposal, saying that such materials as lace and polyester don't breathe easily, and can cause bacteria to grown in warm, moist places on the body. The regulation also states that these synthetic materials don't absorb moisture and could cause dermal issues.
The bill states underwear that doesn't contain more than six percent cotton cannot be sold in stores starting July of this year. Any in-country production of these products must also cease, according to a report by CNN.
But since most lingerie contains less than four percent cotton, it appears most kinds of lacy underthings will be outlawed in these countries.
Women who disagreed with the regulations retaliated on Sunday, flooding the streets of Kazakhstan with lace panties on their heads.
"Panties for the President," as the protests were called, took place in the city of Almaty this past weekend, NBC News reported.
"It irritates me the most that the authorities want to decide what I should wear," bank manager Iryna Davydenko told Al Arabiya English. "As if all other issues in the country are solved and the only outstanding issue is ladies' panties."
The law, which first passed in 2012 by the Customs Union, has encountered much criticism since its introduction.
Then-secretary of state Hillary Clinton called the legislation a way to "re-Sovietize the region" two years ago.