Castration for Sex Offenders a New Trend?
In a bold move to address the alarming rise in child rape cases, Madagascar’s Parliament recently approved a groundbreaking law allowing for the chemical and, in severe instances, surgical castration of perpetrators found guilty of raping minors. The legislation, although met with international scrutiny, has garnered support from within the country as a necessary step to combat what activists describe as a pervasive “rape culture.”
The severity of punishment varies based on the age of the victim, with surgical castration mandated for perpetrators of rape against children under 10, and chemical or surgical castration for those victimizing children aged 10 to 13. Offenders targeting minors aged 14 to 17 face chemical castration alongside sterner prison sentences, potentially up to life imprisonment.
Critics argue that such measures constitute “inhuman and degrading treatment,” questioning their compatibility with Madagascar’s constitutional principles.
Thailand has also taken stricter measures by adding voluntary chemical castration to the list of punishments its offenders will face in the event of a sexual assault. However, according to a criminal defense lawyer, Jiraporn Thongphong, in 2022 Thailand introduced a new makes castration a voluntary choice offered to convicted offenders to reduce their prison time. According to Article 318 of the Thailand Penal Code, having sex with a minor can result in a prison sentence of up to 10 years.
Photo Credit: Center for Jewish History, NYC
