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Virginity test proposed for Indonesian students
An education official on Indonesia's Sumatra island has proposed that female senior high school students be required to undergo virginity tests to discourage premarital sex and protect against prostitution
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A
n education official on Indonesia's Sumatra island has proposed that female senior high school students be required to undergo virginity tests to discourage premarital sex and protect against prostitution.
Muhammad Rasyid, head of the education office in South Sumatra's district of Prabumulih, says he wants to start the tests next year and has proposed a budget for it. But other officials and activists have criticized the plan, arguing it is discriminatory and violates human rights.
The provincial education chief, Widodo, said Tuesday he will suggest that Rasyid drop the plan because girls should be nurtured and not judged.
In order to pass, it would need approval from the district council of lawmakers.
A similar plan was scrapped in another Sumatran province in 2010 amid widespread criticism.
