The Louisiana Legislature has approved a bill allowing judges to order surgical castration for those convicted of sex crimes against children under the age of 13. The bill now awaits the signature of Republican Gov. Jeff Landry. If signed, Louisiana would become the first state to implement such a punishment.
The bill was passed by the GOP-controlled legislature and gives judges the option to sentence someone to surgical castration following a conviction for certain aggravated sex crimes. These crimes include rape, incest, and molestation of children younger than 13. Currently, Louisiana and a few other states, such as Alabama, California, Florida, and Texas, permit chemical castration. This involves drugs that reduce testosterone levels and decrease sex drive.
Some states allow predator offenders to opt for surgical castration, but no state currently permits a judge to impose surgical castration directly.
“This is a consequence,” said Republican state Sen. Valarie Hodges during a committee hearing in April. “It’s a step over and beyond just going to jail and getting out.”
The castration bill received overwhelming support in both legislative chambers, with opposition coming mostly from Democrats. Notably, however, Democratic state Sen. Regina Barrow authored the legislation, arguing the need for an additional deterrent and punishment for such crimes.
“The legislation addresses heinous acts against children,” Barrow said during an April committee meeting.
Governor Landry has yet to indicate his intention to sign it into law. As Louisiana’s Attorney General, he generally pursued an America First agenda, moving lawsuits against the Joe Biden regime for pressuring and colluding with tech firms to censor Americans and asking the Supreme Court to reject 2020 election results in Georgia, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan, citing voting irregularities.
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