Muslim spiritual leaders in the southern Russian republic of Chechnya have made it obligatory for young people who want to get married to pass an HIV test.
Muftis justify the move by citing increasing numbers of HIV-positive young people in the republic. The idea has widespread public support.
"The spiritual leadership of the Moslems has drawn up special marriage certificates with a special line devoted to HIV results," a spokesman said. Couples have to show officials their test results before they can receive a marriage certificate.
The local Anti-AIDS center has registered 1,140 HIV patients in the republic, mostly drug addicts.
GROZNY, January 28 (RIA Novosti)
