Poland: Give Rapists Libido-Killing Drugs

(AP)  Poland's lower house approved legislation Friday that would make it obligatory to chemically castrate offenders who rape children under 15 or close relatives.

The center-right government proposed the bill in response to a series of cases in which fathers sexually abused their daughters. It also raises the maximum prison term for the rape of under-15s to 15 years from 12.

Under the law, approved overwhelmingly by parliament's lower house, people convicted of raping under-15s would be obliged to take drugs intended to control their sexual urges - a practice known as chemical castration.

The drugs would be administered at a prison hospital or medical center.

In cases where children between 15 and 18 are raped, the new law would leave it up to courts to decide whether the assailant should undergo chemical treatment.

The law also would apply to people who rape close relatives - a term that it does not define more specifically. It also does not say how old those relatives would have to be for obligatory chemical castration to apply.

Poland already offers the procedure on a voluntary basis. The bill still needs approval from the upper house of parliament and President Lech Kaczynski, both of which it can expect to receive.

[brianbwb-2009]

Why just those who rape minors?

Is there some part of Polish culture that accepts the rape of adults?

But there is a funny side to this, if they enacted the "close relatives" provision in the US, there would be a lot fewer right wingers having children.

[UnderTheCirmcumstances]

I think it is because children are less likely to be able to defend themselves from assault than someone in their late teens, and the idea that pedophiles cannot be rehabilitated according to current evidence. Due to the underdeveloped mentality of said youngsters, there is little doubt in the way of guilt/intent of the perpetrator.
Even though all rape is horrible, regardless of age or individual circumstances, in my opinion, this is a step in the right direction, esp as one poster mentioned, the effects are temporary and have to be re-administered every so many months, clearing up issues with anyone wrongly convicted. I hope the U.S. won't be far behind in adopting similar law.

[Constitionalist]

And what about the wrongly convicted? From my understanding this is permanent.

[democracy1]

According to the article at the link below, it is a hormone injection given every 1-3 months and is not permanent or disfiguring in any way.

http://www.scribd.com/doc/89507/Chemical-Castration

[cvenable39]

Why can't we get legislators like this in the US?

[parisdakar]

Kills two birds with one stone. Makes sure they won't do it again, and allows them to maybe lead productive lives without having the urges. Sex isn't a right. Like alcohol, it just may not be the thing for some people.

[kphx]

May be we should start using it on teachers who get involved with their students here in the US. Just a start.

Chemical castration. Sounds good.

[lmartink]

Great idea. Experts say there is no redemption for some of these people -- why not chemical castration?

[dontknowitall]

Chemical castration. Great idea. However I think we should make a deal with OPEC and swap the degenerates for oil, or send them to Pakistan to show the people how friendly we are towards them.