Mimmie Björnsdotter Grönkvist is a writer at Liberala Nyhetsbyrån.
There is no reliable way to determine whether a woman is a virgin, no clear physical signs left by sexual activity. Claims about the mythical hymen are just that – myth, with no basis in truth.
And yet, girls and women around the world are still subjected to degrading examinations each year, as part of a patriarchal desire to control their bodies and their sexuality. It is unacceptable – but it still happens. Even in Sweden. That’s why it’s welcome that the government is now taking steps to criminalise virginity checks.
It’s also crucial that those who carry out such checks can be prosecuted, even if the examination was carried out with the woman’s consent. The practice is both unscientific and oppressive, and always indefensible. In many cases, so-called consent is given under pressure – out of fear of the consequences of saying no. Virginity checks are a key element of honour-based oppression.
In addition to criminalising virginity checks, the legislation also bans the issuing of virginity certificates and surgical procedures intended to make it appear that a woman is a virgin. It will also become a crime to fail to report or prevent forced marriage or child marriage offences.
Taken together, this is a legislative package that gives the justice system powerful tools in the fight against honour-based oppression. As such, it is welcome – and long overdue. In fact, it may be many days too late. Getting this kind of legislation in place has been a slow and drawn-out struggle in Sweden. Unfortunately.
All the more reason, then, for the government to finally move from words to action. “These are gaps in the legislation that we believe are important to close,” said Minister for Justice Gunnar Strömmer at a press conference (SVT, 22 April).
The work continues – there are still more gaps to fill in the fight against honour-related oppression. But an important victory is won when it becomes illegal to subject women to patriarchal pseudoscience. Virginity checks violate human rights – and that’s why they should be illegal in Sweden. Here, women should have the right to decide over their own sexuality.