Living goddesses

What are the limits of cultural relativism? In Nepal, the supreme court is asking whether girls’ rights are violated by the Hindu/Buddhist tradition of choosing one of them, selected at age four or five, to become a virgin goddess. In order to qualify, a girl must possess 32 physical “perfections,” including excellent health, a sturdy body, unblemished skin, very black hair and eyes, attractive hands and feet, small genitalia, a clear voice, no body odor and all her teeth. Oh—and her horoscope must jibe with that of the king. See Dean Peerman's exploration of the issue.