Castrate sex offenders
I WAS pleased to read last week that Alabama has passed new laws for criminals who are convicted of sex crimes with minors under the age of 13.
These convicted child sex offenders will now require chemical castration as a condition of parole.
My guess is that while many would probably like to see punishments even harsher than chemical castration, this punishment certainly has its merits, with other US states either requiring or allowing chemical castration on a voluntary basis for sex offenders before they are released: Wisconsin, Florida, Texas, Montana, Louisiana, and California. Guam also has this measure as a voluntary procedure from sex offenders of this type who are after parole.
“Under the new law, the prospective parolee would be required to begin the drug treatment – testosterone-inhibiting medication – at least one month prior to the date of their release. The drugs would be administered for as long as a judge deems necessary before the parolee would be permitted to live a regular life.”
Also as part of this new law, most offenders will have to pay for their treatment, which will be administered by the Department of Public Health, until a judge decides the medication is no longer necessary. I applaud Alabama’s Governor, Kay Ivey, and Republican state representative Steve Hurst for their success with having this introduced and hope that there are politicians in Australia who might take note of this approach. More needs to be done to address this heinous crime in Australia that not only enhances public safety, but protects children from sexual abuse.
NANETTE RADECK, Alice River.