Roommates, T.I. made headlines after he spoke candidly about his daughter Deyjah Harris’ hymen. Even after clarifying his statements on the Red Table Talk with Jada Pinkett Smith, what he said is still ringing bells.
According to the Huffington Post, New York State lawmakers have just introduced legislation that would ban doctors from performing what they are calling ‘purity exams’. The Post says the legislation comes right on the heels of T.I. stating that he attends annual check ups with his daughter Deyjah to ensure her hymen is still intact.
Doctor performing the exam typically determine whether or not a woman is still a virgin based on the condition of her hymen. Medical professionals, however, do not consider to to be a reliable indicator of past sexual activity. Lawmakers even cite that virginity is a “social and religious construct.”
The bill, NY Senate Bill S6879, is sponsored by state Senator Roxanne Persaud. The proposed legislation would leave doctors subject to “penalties for professional misconduct” along with potential criminal sexual assault charges for performing or supervising the exams.
T.I.’s comments about his daughter Deyjah swept the internet, after he said he makes it his business to ensure her hymen is still intact. As we previously reported, Tip spilled all the tea about Deyjah’s private matters. including the fact that doctors have educated him about ways the hymen can tear besides sex.
State Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, who is sponsoring the new legislation, had a lot to say about T.I.’s controversial comments.
“It’s misogynistic, it’s appalling,” she told The New York Post. “I was horrified to see this happening. If a celebrity can impose his power to ensure his 18-year-old daughter gets checked, imagine what can be done in households across New York State?”
What are your thoughts about the new bill, Roomies? Let us know in the comments!
