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Alabama Passes Another Controversial Bill
Alabama’s governor, Gov. Kay Ivey, a Republican, signed the legislation into law on Monday that will now require some sex offenders to be chemically castrated before being released on parole. The new bill only applies to sex offenders eligible for parole after being convicted of crimes involving children under 13 years of age.
The process of chemical castration involves taking medication to reduce testosterone, hormones and other chemicals that are meant to increase libido. The parolees are required to start the treatment a month before they leave prison and continue treatment until the court deems it is no longer necessary.
Parolees will be required to pay for the treatment, but cannot be denied parole if they are unable to pay.
The bill was originally introduced by Republican state Rep. Steve Hurst. Many have attacked Hurst saying that the bill was inhumane, but in retaliation, Hurst told WIAT-TV that “the punishment should fit the crime.”
He went on to say that when a child is molested and cannot defend themselves or run away, “they have to go through all the things they have to go through. If you want to talk about inhumane – that’s inhumane.”
Seven other states and territories – California, Florida, Guam, Iowa, Louisiana, Montana and Wisconsin – have followed suit, also authorizing chemical castration.
By: Maytinee Kramer
