Louisiana will become the first US state to allow surgical castration as punishment for certain sex crimes.
The bill was signed Tuesday by state Governor Jeff Landry and will go into effect on March 1.er august.
The legislation gives Louisiana judges the option to sentence to surgical castration a person convicted of certain sex crimes against minors. These crimes include rape, incest and touching a child under 13 years old. This punishment will not be automatic and will be decided on a case-by-case basis, at the discretion of the judge.
Although Louisiana, like several other states, already allows chemical castration as punishment for this type of crime, surgical castration is a much more invasive procedure. It involves completely and permanently removing the testicles or ovaries. Chemical castration uses drugs that block testosterone production to reduce libido.
Opponents argue that it is “cruel and unusual” punishment in violation of the United States Constitution, according to the Seattle Times. They say the measure is sure to face legal challenges, despite the impressive support the bill has received in the Louisiana House of Assembly.
