Government proposes criminalising virginity testing, virginity certificates and hymenoplasty

“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. 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,” says Minister for Justice Gunnar Strömmer.

“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 Sweden, virginity tests, virginity certificates and hymenoplasty are carried out in both health care and private settings. Women and girls who are residents in Sweden also undergo virginity testing and hymenoplasty procedures abroad. Virginity testing and hymenoplasty have no medical purpose, and are just one of several methods to control women’s and girls’ sexuality. 

Conflicts about marriage and choice of marriage partners are one reason why young people are subjected to honour-based violence and oppression. Child marriage and forced marriage are banned in Sweden, and anyone who coerces someone to enter into such an arrangement is guilty of an offence. However, honour-based crime is often characterised by a culture of silence in relation to the authorities, making it harder to detect these crimes. 

The Government is now moving forward with proposals that aim to strengthen the protection of women and girls living in communities where honour-based abuse is prevalent. The proposals include the following:

• Virginity testing will be criminalised. The maximum sentence will be one year in prison.
• Virginity certificates will be criminalised. The sentence will be a fine or imprisonment for a maximum of six months.
• Hymenoplasty will be criminalised. The maximum sentence will be one year in prison. 
• It will not matter whether the woman or girl has consented to the virginity test, certificate or hymenoplasty.
• It will be punishable by law not to report forced or child marriage. 

It is proposed that the provisions enter into force on 1 December 2025.

These proposals are based on an agreement between the Government and the Sweden Democrats.