AMMAN: A top panel of Islamic scholars has issued a judgement that illegalizes any request by fiancés for examination of their would-be brides’ virginity, judicial sources said Monday.
“The examination of hymens is taboo because the genitals of both men and women should not be disclosed except in the case of necessities,” the judgement issued by state-funded Council of Eftaa and Islamic Studies said.
However, the council permitted such examination if it was asked by “judicial authorities” in case of disputes.
The panel said that it adopted this opinion in response to reports about an increasing number of cases when citizens asked the country’s National Forensic Center (NFC) to conduct virginity tests. The NFC had reportedly to deal with at least 1,200 of such cases last year. According to Islamic teachings, women are barred from involvement in physical relations before marriage.
