Duggar news: Josiah Duggar and Lauren Swanson getting intimate, breaking strict courtship rules

Josiah Duggar is now courting Lauren Swanson.(PHOTO: Facebook/Duggar Family Official)

The Duggars are known as devoted Christians and strict courting rules. Fans have seen these in the Duggar siblings who are already married now. However, reports reveal that Josiah Duggar is breaking the rules while courting Lauren Swanson.

A few days ago, Josiah just announced his courtship with Lauren. The Duggars and the Swansons are longtime family friends and they are happy with the news. The "19 Kids and Counting" stars are also pleased with Lauren's Christlike character and how she uses the scriptures to encourage other people.

Recently, Radar Online shared photos of the two being intimate with each other are spreading online. It is said that the two are in a romantic getaway even if they are not yet married. But it appears that they are actually fully guarded by Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, along with other Duggar kids.

The family and some members of their religious group, Institue of Biblical Life Principles, have been touring New Zealand and Australia. Since Josiah is with them, the Duggars invited Lauren to join the tour, Cafe Mom reports. However, the captured photos of the two show that they are already doing things that are against the strict Duggar courtship rules.

Josiah is seen grabbing Lauren by the side of her chest as he helped her get off a tanker from the Army Museum in Waiouru, New Zealand. This breaks the rules since the family does not allow chest-on-chest contact. Couples are also not allowed to express themselves through side hugs.

Aside from that, Lauren was also seen leaning her head on Josiah's shoulder while they sit on a bench. The two were even closer when they sat beside each other at Lake Taupo. One photo even appears like they are kissing each other even if they are not allowed to do that until their wedding day. Couples are also prohibited from holding hands until they get married.