After reports that Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood is considering introducing chemical castration for sex offenders, we want to know what your thoughts are on the issue. Paedophiles and other sexual offenders may soon face compulsory chemical castration as the Government is reportedly considering measures to stop repeat offending after perpetrators are released from prison. Those incarcerated and individuals handed suspended sentences could face the irreversible procedure.
Chemical castration uses drugs to reduce sex hormones in individuals, which can reduce the risk of reoffending by as much as 60%, studies have found. This is reportedly being considered by Mahmood, as revealed by an insider who told The Sun: “For too long, we have turned a blind eye to the threat sex offenders pose, considering the solutions too difficult or unpalatable. Shabana isn’t squeamish about doing what it takes to protect the public. As always, she will grab this problem by the proverbials.” So, what do you think? Should rapist and paedophiles be castrated? Vote below in our poll…
The measures are being considered so that criminals can be released back into society amid prison overcrowding. Mahmood is said to be examining the potential implementation of obligatory chemical castration, which is used in US states such as California.
Meanwhile, countries such as Germany, France, Sweden, and Denmark offer sex offenders voluntary chemical castration. The procedure involves selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, which curb invasive sexual thoughts, and anti-androgens, which suppress testosterone and reduce libido.
Offenders often receive psychiatric help to manage their sexual thoughts as well. 48 recommendations in total, including chemical castration, were put forward by David Gauke, the chair of an independent sentencing review.
