Louisiana has become the first US state in which a court will has the right to order the surgical castration of people found guilty of child sexual abuse, the Associated Press reported. The law was signed into law on Tuesday by Republican Governor Jeff Landry.
This type of punishment is known in other countries known for tougher measures against certain crimes, including the Czech Republic and Nigeria, but is new to the United States. The governor's office confirmed to the AP yesterday that Landry had signed the bill earlier this week.
Supporters of Louisiana's new law, which will take effect Aug. 1, hope the punishment will deter people from committing sex crimes against children. Opponents of the measure argue that it is “crude and unusual” punishment in violation of the US Constitution and believe the law is certain to face legal challenges.
The measure passed allows judges in Louisiana to order the surgical castration of those convicted of certain serious sex crimes against children under the age of 13, including rape, incest and sexual harassment. The penalty will not be applied automatically and will be considered on a case-by-case basis at the judge's discretion.
In prisons in Louisiana, 2,224 people are serving sentences for such crimes. The law will not be applied retroactively and will only apply to those convicted after August 1 of this year.
Several states, including Louisiana, California, Florida and Texas, have passed laws allowing chemical castration for those convicted of certain sex crimes. In some of these states, abusers can request a surgical procedure of their own accord. But according to the National Conference of State Legislatures, no other state has so far allowed for the imposition of a sentence for surgical castration.