This method involves the use of drugs that block sex hormone production in order to decrease libido.<\/p>\n
Surgical castration is a much more invasive procedure.<\/p>\n
A handful of other states – including California, Florida and Texas – also already have laws in place allowing for the punishment of chemical castration.<\/p>\n
In some of those states, offenders can opt for the surgical procedure if they prefer.<\/p>\n
The National Conference of State Legislatures has said it is unaware of any states that allow judges to impose surgical castration outright.<\/p>\n
Speaking during a committee hearing on the Louisiana bill in April, Republican state Senator Valarie Hodges said: “This is a consequence… It’s a step over and beyond just going to jail and getting out.”<\/p>\n
The bill received overwhelming approval in both of the Republican-dominated chambers on Monday.<\/p>\n
Votes against the bill mainly came from Democrats, however a politician from the party authored the measure.<\/p>\n
The legislation now heads to the desk of conservative Governor Jeff Landry, who will decide whether to sign it into law or veto it.<\/p>\n
Currently, there are 2,224 people imprisoned in Louisiana for sex crimes against children younger than 13.<\/p>\n
The sponsor of the bill, Democratic state Senator Regina Barrow, has said it would be an extra step in punishment for horrific crimes. She hopes the legislation will serve as a deterrent to help prevent such offences against children.<\/p>\n
“We are talking about babies who are being violated by somebody,” Ms Barrow said during an April committee meeting.<\/p>\n
“That is inexcusable.”<\/p>\n
While castration is often associated with men, Ms Barrow said the law could be applied to women, too.<\/p>\n
She also stressed that imposing the punishment would be by individual cases and at the discretion of judges. The punishment is not automatic.<\/p>\n
If an offender “fails to appear or refuses to undergo” surgical castration after a judge orders the procedure, they could be hit with “failure to comply” charge and face an additional three to five years in prison, according to the bill.<\/p>\n
The legislation also stipulates that a medical expert must “determine whether that offender is an appropriate candidate” for the procedure before it’s carried out.<\/p>\n
Very few offenders have been ordered to undergo chemical castration under Louisiana’s existing law.<\/p>\n
Officials have said they could only think of one or two cases between 2010 and 2019.<\/p>\n
The bill, and chemical castration bills, have received pushback, with opponents saying it is “cruel and unusual punishment” and questioned the effectiveness of the procedure.<\/p>\n
Additionally some Louisiana politicians have questioned if the punishment was too harsh for someone who may have a single offence.<\/p>\n
“For me, when I think about a child, one time is too many,” Ms Barrow responded.<\/p>\n
Source: \u00a0![\"Sky](\"http:\/\/worldjusticenews.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/sky-news-logo-1.png\"){kind=logo}
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