Overview

This bill aims to make virginity testing illegal in England and Wales. It criminalizes performing or advertising virginity tests, as well as selling products designed for this purpose, while allowing a defense for registered medical professionals if there's a legitimate medical reason. The bill also mandates education initiatives to raise awareness about this issue.

Description

The Virginity Testing (Prohibition) Bill criminalizes three key actions:

• Performing a clinical procedure to determine virginity.
• Selling products designed to determine virginity.
• Advertising such procedures or products.

Registered medical professionals have a defense if they can prove a good medical reason for their actions. Those who are found guilty face up to 12 months imprisonment, a fine, or both. Charging for the procedure or providing a "certificate of virginity" will be considered an aggravating factor during sentencing. The bill also empowers the Secretary of State to create educational resources about the illegality of virginity testing targeting schools, NHS bodies, and local authorities in England.

The bill applies only to England and Wales and comes into force 30 days after it's passed.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't specify a direct cost to government. However, the implementation of educational provisions outlined in Section 2 will likely require some level of government funding, although the exact amount is not detailed in the bill.

Groups Affected

• Individuals who perform or advertise virginity tests: They face potential criminal prosecution and penalties.
• Individuals who sell products for virginity testing: They face potential criminal prosecution and penalties.
• Registered medical professionals: They are granted a defense if they can prove a genuine medical reason for conducting such procedures.
• Schools, NHS bodies, and local authorities in England: They will be subject to new regulations regarding education on virginity testing.
• Women and girls: This legislation protects them from the harmful practice of virginity testing.

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