Marlène Schiappa has decided to act. The Minister Delegate to the Minister of the Interior of France, in charge of Citizenship did not appreciate to discover, in the first episode ofIincredible gypsy weddings broadcast in prime time Wednesday February 3, 2021 on TF1, the way the handkerchief ceremony was put forward. The program, presented by journalist Hélène Mannarino, reveals images of this tradition of proving the virginity of young brides. And the assembly did not please the minister.“But before they can truly party, Stessy and Maéva are going to have to undergo the dreaded handkerchief ceremony. A secret gypsy ceremony where they will have to prove their virginity. If they are not virgins, the marriage could be called off. married women from the community come to witness this tradition on which the honor of families depends “, explains the voiceover.
Marlène Schiappa immediately chose to act. According to information from TV-Leisure, the minister would have sent a letter to the president of the Superior council of Audiovisual, Roch-Olivier Maistre. A missive in which the politician declares herself“scandalized” by the journalistic treatment of this tradition. “The way in which the handkerchief ceremony is carried out, aimed at proving the virginity of young girls, some of whom are not of legal age, particularly shocks me. This practice is described as being the true moment of marriage, in defiance of the laws of the Republic “, she explained.
The institution of marriage “flouted” for Marlène Schiappa
Mother of two daughters, Marlène Schiappa pays particular attention to what they watch on television or on the internet. Straddling their education and regularly victim of cyberbullying, the minister even forbade them to search for her name on the internet in order to prevent them from falling on horrors. Marlène Schiappa is therefore particularly keen to protect young girls. Raised, she then wanted to recall the laws of the Republic to which she is so attached. “Our texts are clear: the marriage must be celebrated at the town hall, between adults, in a room open to the public. The celebration of marriage transforms two consenting adults into effective spouses. It must be made by the mayor or a deputy, in the presence of the future spouses and witnesses “. For Marlène Schiappa, it is “the whole republican institution of marriage” who is “flouted” in this program. What does she deplore the most? That a suitable comment has not been added to the montage.
Read also : Stéphane Bern scandalized by the attitude of Meghan Markle: “Poor little rich girl …”