III - What is the Gypsy wedding ritual?

"People outside the Gypsy community are very confused about the meaning of our wedding ritual," explains La Caly, one of the most respected ajuntadoras who officiate at the ceremony.

At the heart of the ritual is the ajuntamiento, or testing of the bride's virginity, which is then celebrated by the bride's and groom's families, their extended families and friends.

La Caly, and those who support legalization, argues the ceremony does not mark lack of respect for women. "We respect virginity more than anything in the world," comments La Caly. "It's at the heart of our culture and this ritual recognizes that."

"It also reflects Gypsy men's respect for women. That is something a lot of people choose to overlook. A couple may be together for two, five or ten years without the man touching her. If so, then it is her as well as his choice."

She also emphasizes that the campaign to legalize Gypsy marriage does not symbolize a refusal to integrate in society. "Today both Gypsy men and women know how to go out into the world and celebrate other cultures and other people's choices on their own terms."

Those who support legalization say it simply follows through Spain's 1992 Law of Religious Liberty, which allows Jews and Muslims, among others, to wed according to their own traditions, and then certify their marriages in the Civil Register.