Church commission backs proposed ban on virginity testing

In a submission on the Crimes (Virginity Testing Practices) Amendment Bill to Parliament’s Governance and Administration Committee, the Commission cited principles of Catholic Social Teaching such as the inherent dignity of every person and the preferential option for the vulnerable in support of the proposed changes.

Labour List MP Priyanca Radhakrishnan’s bill would make both virginity testing and hymenoplasty criminal offences, addressing what she says is a gap in current law, Radio New Zealand reported.

The World Health Organisation and UN Women were part of a global call to ban these practices. The United Kingdom banned virginity testing in 2022.

In 2025, researchers found the practice was occurring in New Zealand and is harming women.

The Justice and Peace Commission’s submission stated that Catholic Social Teaching “affirms the inherent dignity of every person, created in the image of God. Human worth and dignity are not dependent on gender, sexual history, marital status, or compliance with cultural or religious expectations”.

“We therefore support the intent of this Bill to protect women and girls, and their right to safety, from practices that may be degrading, coercive or harmful to self, body, spirit or mind. The Bill rightly recognises that virginity testing lacks scientific validity and has been associated with grievous violations of human rights and the wellbeing of women and girls worldwide.”

The Commission added that it is particularly mindful of the Catholic Social Teaching principle of the preferential option for the vulnerable.

“The concerns raised in support of the Bill highlight the reality that women and girls often experience family, social, cultural, religious or community pressure to undergo virginity testing or related procedures. Where power imbalances exist, consent cannot be fully or freely given. The law has an important role in protecting those who are vulnerable to coercion and abuse. This is one such opportunity where legislation and policy can protect those most vulnerable.”

The Commission also strongly encouraged the Committee to carefully consider how the legislation applies in situations involving competent adults, and to ensure that any criminal sanctions are appropriately targeted towards preventing coercion, exploitation and harm – including self, psychological or spiritual harm.

“We also encourage measures that promote education, prevention and community engagement alongside legal reform.”

FULL STORY

Crimes (Virginity Testing Practices) Amendment Bill (Catholic Diocese of Auckland)

Virginity testing ban bill drawn from ballot (Radio New Zealand)