Ban on Virginity Certificates Issuance Soon in Luxembourg

Luxembourg - April 18, 2024

Luxembourg is on the brink of enacting a law to prohibit the issuance of certificates validating a woman or girl's virginity status, a move seen as a significant step towards gender equality and the elimination of outdated and harmful practices.

The practice of issuing virginity certificates by medical professionals has long been criticized for its lack of scientific credibility and its perpetuation of gender-based discrimination. These certificates, often sought by families with religious or patriarchal leanings, not only fail to accurately determine a person's sexual history but also contribute to the stigmatization of young women and adolescents.

Expressing dismay at the persistence of such practices, the Minister of Health highlighted the need for comprehensive legal measures to safeguard women's autonomy and dignity. The impending legislation is poised to go beyond mere prohibition, aiming to foster a societal shift towards empowering women to make informed decisions about their bodies and sexuality.

Luxembourg's initiative also extends to educational campaigns aimed at dispelling harmful stereotypes surrounding female sexuality. By challenging entrenched notions that perpetuate unequal treatment based on gender, the nation seeks to create a more inclusive and respectful society.

This move aligns Luxembourg with neighboring France, where the issuance of virginity certificates has already been outlawed. In France, healthcare providers are mandated to report any requests for such certificates to the authorities, ensuring that individuals receive appropriate support and guidance, while also combatting regressive attitudes towards women's sexual autonomy.

As Luxembourg prepares to join the ranks of nations actively combating gender-based discrimination, its commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of all its citizens is reaffirmed.

New Regulations: Electric Vehicles Must Charge While Parked

Luxembourg - April 18, 2024

In accordance with Article 107 of Luxembourg's Road Traffic Act, parking spaces designated for electric vehicles are explicitly reserved for vehicles connected to charging stations. However, owners and drivers of these vehicles must also adhere to specific regulations.

Therefore, these parking spaces, if clearly marked with signage, are exclusively for vehicles actively charging at a charging station. This means that an electric or hybrid vehicle parked in these spaces but not actively charging will be considered improperly parked and subject to fines. In simpler terms, parking spots designated for electric vehicles are solely for vehicles in the process of charging, not for parked electric vehicles. They must be connected to charging stations and actively charging when inspected by law enforcement.

During inspections, if any vehicle parked in an electric vehicle space fails to meet all requirements, a fine of €49 will be imposed for non-compliance with the parking prohibition. Additionally, leaving electric vehicles at charging stations for more than 2 to 4 hours beyond charging completion is subject to police fines.

This regulation aims to ensure that parking spaces equipped with charging infrastructure are efficiently utilized for their intended purpose, promoting the accessibility and availability of charging facilities for electric vehicle owners.