BBC News
By Hugh Schofield
image captionCitizenship Minister Marlène Schiappa has spoken out against the programme
A French reality TV series has been condemned by the government over its treatment of so-called handkerchief ceremonies in which young brides are supposed to prove their virginity.
The Minister for Citizenship Marlène Schiappa has written to the country s broadcast watchdog the CSA, saying she was outraged by Incredible Gypsy Weddings uncritical handling of the rite, which sees the bride being examined by female relatives just before the marriage takes place.
Inspired by Channel 4 s Big Fat Gypsy Weddings, the French series on the free-to-view TFX channel follows the courtship and marriage traditions of the Catalan gitan community living in the southern town of Perpignan.
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