Doctors could be banned from carrying out so-called ‘virginity checks’ in New York State, days after rapper TI was criticised for claiming he makes his daughter undergo the procedure.
The New York State Assembly introduced a bill that would prohibit any procedures designed to determine whether a woman has had sexual intercourse.
Offenders would be subjected to professional misconduct penalties and possible criminal charges.
The bill says: “These examinations are not only a violation of women's and girls' human rights, but in cases of rape can cause additional pain and mimic the original act of sexual violence, leading to re-experience, re-traumatisation and re-victimisation”.
It also notes that virginity is not a medical term but rather a “social, cultural and religious construct - one that reflects gender discrimination against women and girls”.
The legislative move comes after rapper TI said in an interview that he takes his 18-year-old daughter to the gynaecologist annually to "check her hymen”.
He has since backtracked saying his remarks were “misconstrued and misconceived.”
The bill has been introduced by state senator Roxanne Persaud and assemblywoman Michaelle Solages.
Ms Persaud told the New York Post: “If a celebrity can impose his power to ensure his 18-year-old daughter gets checked, imagine what can be done in households across New York state?”
