Louisiana legislators approve surgical castration option for those guilty of child sex crimes
A bill enacted by Louisiana lawmakers gives judges the power to order surgical castration for those found guilty of egregious sexual offenses against minors under the age of 13. This penalty would be in addition to incarceration.
The law represents a substantial change from current procedures. Currently, chemical castration—a procedure that uses medication to lower testosterone levels and sex drive—is legal in Louisiana and a number of other states, including California, Florida, and Texas. Notably, the 2008-passed Louisiana law is hardly ever used.
But the new bill suggests a much more intrusive process. Although it has the resounding support of the Republican-controlled legislature, Democratic Governor Jeff Landry, who has the power of veto, may oppose it.
Senator Regina Barrow, a Democrat, is the bill’s sponsor and highlights the seriousness of the offenses as well as the goal of deterrence. “We’re talking about children who are defenseless,” she said. Crucially, Barrow makes it clear that judges would consider each case individually and would not automatically impose the punishment.
The bill lists particular protections. Criminals who are judged by medical experts to be unfit for the procedure will not be eligible. Those who refused to have the procedure done in response to a judge’s order risked additional jail time.
Surgical castration is opposed on the grounds that it is an unusually harsh form of punishment and that it is ineffective. Concerns regarding its severity, particularly for first-time offenders, are also voiced by some legislators. Senator Barrow, however, is adamant that there should be a severe reaction to any case of child sexual abuse.
