State lawmakers in New York are planning to pass a new bill, called the Anti-TI law, which will ban father’s from monitoring their underage daughter’s virginity.
Two state politicians have introduced legislation that will ban physicians in the state from performing “virginity checks.” The legislation was launched after rapper Clifford “TI” Harris claimed that he takes his 18-year-old daughter to the gynecologist on a yearly basis to check her hymen.
“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-traumatization and re-victimization,” lawmakers explained in a memorandum. “Many women suffer from adverse short- and long-term physical, psychological and social consequences of this practice.”
“In extreme cases, women or girls may attempt suicide or be killed in the name of ‘honor,'” the memorandum added. The preamble to the legislation also argues that “virginity” is not a medical term but rather a “social, cultural and religious construct – one that reflects gender discrimination against women and girls.”
We reached out to TI’s reps for comment. So far he has not spoken out.
According to political reports, the New York State assembly has enough votes to pass the bill, and are planning on formally passing it before Christmas.