The Swedish Government has taken a bold step forward by presenting a proposal that seeks to criminalise the controversial practices of virginity testing, virginity certificates, and hymenoplasty. This significant move will be referred to the Council on Legislation for consideration. In addition, the proposal includes stringent measures against the failure to report cases of forced or child marriage, aiming to bolster the protection of women and girls who are often at risk in communities where honour-based abuse is disturbingly prevalent.
The World Health Organization (WHO) considers virginity testing an act of violence against women. The organisation highlights that the practice has no scientific or clinical basis.
“Honour-based cultural norms restrict the freedom and life opportunities of women and girls, and also of boys and men. It is often about power and control. And for those who attempt to defy this control, the consequences can be devastating – and in the worst case, fatal,” says Minister for Justice Gunnar Strömmer.
“By criminalising these serious abuses, we are very concretely reinforcing the protection of the personal privacy of women and girls living in communities where they may be subjected to honour-based abuse,” the minister highlighted.
Within Sweden’s borders, virginity tests, virginity certificates, and hymenoplasty are performed in both medical facilities and private settings, casting a shadow over the autonomy and dignity of women and girls. Alarmingly, many also travel abroad to undergo these invasive procedures. These practices serve no medical purpose; instead, they are instruments used to control and manipulate the sexuality of women and girls, trapping them in a cycle of shame and societal pressure.
The struggle surrounding marriage and the selection of a partner is a significant catalyst for honour-based violence and oppression. Although child marriage and forced unions are strictly prohibited in Sweden, those who force individuals into such arrangements face legal consequences. However, honour-based crimes often thrive in silence, shrouded by cultural fears that prevent victims from seeking help or reporting abuses.
“A woman’s right to exercise control over her own body and sexuality is a fundamental human right. Violating this right is unacceptable, and it is therefore tremendously important that the protection of these rights is now strengthened. Virginity testing and hymenoplasty must stop,” says Minister for Gender Equality and Working Life Nina Larsson.
In this context, the Government is resolutely advancing proposals that aim to protect the rights and well-being of women and girls ensnared in these oppressive dynamics. The proposals encompass several key provisions:
1. Virginity testing will be rendered illegal, carrying a maximum penalty of one year in prison, sending a powerful message against such intrusive practices.
2. The issuance of virginity certificates will be criminalised, entailing either a fine or imprisonment for up to six months, reinforcing the notion that a woman’s worth is not defined by her virginity.
3. Hymenoplasty, a procedure rooted in outdated notions of purity, will also face criminalisation, with offenders facing a maximum prison sentence of one year.
4. Consent will not shield individuals from prosecution for subjecting women and girls to these practices; the law will stand firmly against any violation.
5. Furthermore, there will be legal repercussions for anyone failing to report instances of forced or child marriage, emphasising the urgency of protecting vulnerable individuals.
These remarkable proposals are set to come into effect on 1 December 2025, heralding a new era of accountability and justice in Sweden. The proposal results from an agreement between the Government and the far-right Sweden Democrats party. It marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s ongoing struggle for gender equality and the protection of human rights.
