Maryland Bride Presents ‘Certificate Of Purity’ To Her Pastor Father On Wedding Day Signed By Gynecologist, ‘Hymen Is Intact’

A Maryland bride provided her pastor father with a special gift during her wedding reception that proves she “honored” God, and her father, before marriage by remaining a virgin. Brelyn Bowman presented her father, pastor Michael Freeman, a framed “Certificate of Purity” during her wedding reception. The certificate noted that Brelyn had “honored” her father by abstaining from sex before marriage. The certificate was signed by a gynecologist and noted that on October 10, the bride’s hymen was intact.

The Daily Mail reported that bride Brelyn Bowman presented her father, pastor Michael Freeman, with a special memento during her wedding reception. The document, which was signed by a gynecologist, was used to prove that Bowman was a virgin at the time of her marriage. The Certificate of Purity was framed and presented to her unsuspecting father. The document noted that Brelyn had made a promise of purity back in 2006 and that she kept that promise by abstaining from sex until her 2015 wedding.

“On the 10th of May 2006, I, Brelyn Freeman, made a vow to glorify God in my body and spirit which are God’s because I have been bought with a price (Jesus).”

The certificate is signed by a gynecologist who notes Brelyn’s “hymen is intact” on October 10.

“I have kept this commitment and present this certificate to my father Dr Michael A. Freeman to show how I have honored God and my earthly father in my body by maintaining my purity and that my hymen is intact on this 10th day of October 2015.”

The atypical gift has sparked debate online with some claiming the idea of a virginity certificate is sexist and patriarchal. Those posting negative opinions claim the bride shouldn’t have to prove anything, adding her father should take her word that she is still a virgin. Others say the display should not be made public, as the information is too private. However, Brelyn says she did it of her own free will and wanted to provide the certificate to “honor” her father by providing him with proof that she kept the promise she made to him back in 2006 to maintain her virginity until marriage. In fact, Brelyn proudly shared the photo dancing with her father at her wedding reception to her Instagram page and noted the Certificate of Purity in the post.

Meanwhile, she says she doesn’t feel a need to respond to any of the negativity and that she is enjoying her time with her new husband while on her honeymoon.

“Apparently some people on social media are trying to decide if they like or don’t like my commitment of waiting/presenting a certificate to my dad. I started to want to explain/go in depth then I looked to my right my husband is swimming in the pool. I looked ahead & saw the Indian Ocean. So while they’re deciding I’ll enjoy the promises of God for my life!”

Brelyn’s father is also coming to his daughter’s defense and says he is surprised by all of the negativity. He says that those with negative comments simply do not understand the “Spirit” and that they are “foolish.”

What do you think about a bride presenting her father with a “Certificate of Purity” on her wedding day? Is the certificate inappropriate or a nice gesture for those who made a promise of purity as a young person?

[Image via Instagram]