World | Russia Chechnya Requires Marrying Couples Be HIV-Negative Imams demand certificate before approving marriages By Nick McMaster Posted Jan 18, 2011 4:47 PM CST Copied A girl walks near city decorations marking the upcoming New Year in downtown Grozny, Chechnya, southern Russia, Sunday, Dec. 13, 2009. (AP Photo/Musa Sadulayev) Chechnya's Muslim authorities have handed down a new edict that requires all marrying couples to prove they are HIV-negative, Reuters reports. The order is not exactly a "law"—in fact, it violates Russian law, say human rights advocates—but given the wide influence of the nation's Islamic clerics, it carries great weight. An imam can now approve a marriage only after seeing an HIV-negative certificate. Read These Next This publication's review of Melania just got much worse. Authorities investigating ransom note in Nancy Guthrie disappearance. Melinda French Gates reacts to her ex showing up in new Epstein files. Chappell Roan defends her daring Grammy's outfit. Report an error