On April 24, 2025, the Swedish Government announced a significant proposal to criminalize virginity testing, virginity certificates, and hymenoplasty, with the aim of strengthening the protection of women and girls living in communities where honour-based abuse is prevalent. The move is part of the government’s efforts to address the devastating consequences of honour-based cultural norms, which often involve power and control.
The proposal, agreed upon by the Government and the Sweden Democrats, includes criminalizing virginity testing, with a maximum sentence of one year in prison. Virginity certificates will also be criminalized, with a fine or imprisonment for up to six months. Hymenoplasty, a surgical procedure aimed at restoring the shape of the vagina, will be similarly prohibited.
What’s particularly striking about this proposal is that it targets not only the individuals performing these procedures but also those who fail to report cases of forced or child marriage. The law would make it punishable by law for anyone aware of such situations to remain silent.
These measures are seen as a crucial step towards reinforcing the protection of women and girls’ personal privacy and bodily autonomy in communities where honour-based abuse is common. “Honour-based cultural norms restrict the freedom and life opportunities of women and girls, and also of boys and men,” said 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 Government believes that conflicts about marriage and choice of marriage partners are a primary reason why young people are subjected to honour-based violence and oppression. Child marriage and forced marriage have already been banned in Sweden, but honour-based crimes often rely on a culture of silence around authorities.
Virginity testing and hymenoplasty have no medical purpose and are instead used as methods to control women’s and girls’ sexuality. The Government has decided that these practices must stop.
The provisions will enter into force on December 1, 2025. The proposal is the result of an agreement between the Government and the Sweden Democrats.
Conclusion
The Swedish Government’s bold move to criminalize virginity testing, hymenoplasty, and failure to report forced or child marriage marks a significant step towards protecting women and girls from honour-based abuse. As this legislation takes effect, it is crucial that those affected receive the support they need to live free from fear and control.