Background & Purpose
These measures are introduced to strengthen the protection of women and girls living in environments where honor-related violence and social control are prevalent.
Proposals & Debate
The government proposed making it illegal to perform virginity tests, issue certificates of virginity, or conduct medical procedures related to virginity, both inside and outside the healthcare system. Furthermore, the proposal includes a new legal duty to report or try to prevent ongoing cases of forced marriage or child marriage.
The Decision
The parliament approved the new laws, meaning these actions are now criminal offenses punishable by fines or prison sentences.
Does this affect you?
- Women and girls in honor-related contexts: They receive stronger legal protection against invasive physical checks and social control.
- Healthcare professionals: They are now strictly prohibited from performing virginity-related medical procedures or issuing such certificates.
In Practice
- Performing a virginity test or a virginity-related medical procedure can lead to up to one year in prison.
- Issuing a certificate claiming someone is a virgin can result in fines or up to six months in prison.
- Failing to report or stop an ongoing forced marriage or child marriage is now a punishable crime.
- These rules apply to everyone, regardless of whether the act takes place within the healthcare system or elsewhere.