South Africa mulls ban on virginity tests

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, Dec. 14 (UPI) -- South Africa's parliament is debating a legal ban on the centuries-old Zulu practice of giving girls under the age of 16 virginity tests.

However, Zulu Princess Thembi ZuluNdlovu -- organizer of the largest virginity ceremony in the country -- said little will change, whatever parliament decides.

"It has always been there among the Zulus. I really do not see it stopping," she told The Times of London.

The main virginity event coincides with the annual royal reed dance ceremony each September, when thousands of bare-breasted maidens dance in front of the Zulu King, Goodwill Zwelithini in northern KwaZulu-Natal province, and female elders conduct visual inspections.

Traditionally, virgins attract a higher dowry than non-virgins, the report said.