Lawmaker proposes castration for some sex offenders (No. I'm not kidding.)

[Dickie Flatt]

http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/news/breaking_news/10926436.htm?1c

Some convicted Minnesota pedophiles could be forced to be chemically castrated under a measure introduced today.

The measure, which would allow judges to sentence pedophiles to castration, would only apply to sex offenders who has abused children under 13 years old.

"At first glance folks would say that seems to be a little overboard, that seems to be a little aggressive. Folks it is very serious legislation," said Rep. Tom Emmer, the first-term Republican from Delano who is sponsoring the measure. Emmer said castration works to dramatically reduce the sex drive for pedophiles who commit sex crimes against children.

[ElectroPrincess]

1. Yes, and they're moving on this legislation - CHOP CHOP! eom

[CBGLuthier]

2. And it wouldn't do a damn bit of good anyway

That tired argument gets trotted out every few years despite the fact that it wouldn't do a thing to stop rape or molestation.

Rape is an act of violence.

Pedophiles have an uncontrollable urge that would still be there despite the lack of equipment.

[BurgherHoldtheLies]

3. It does say 'chemical castration' not the chop-chop kind...

Basically they give them medicines that limit their ability for sex drive/acts.

For pedophiles, I can't say that's a bad thing.

[izzie]

4. Maybe we could get them to take up singing?

Those men used to do a good job at that.

[Demrock6]

5. This cruel and unusually punishment!!!!

Oh wait the guys are shit bags. Screw 'em. As long as they got the right guy punish them accordingly.

[Krupskaya]

6. I don't like this.

This implies that molesting children is an uncontrollable sexual urge driven by testosterone. What about personal responsibility, that the Repubs are always going on about? These people need to be in jail. I personally would not trust a shot in the arm to protect my kid from some rapist sicko man.

[no name no slogan]

7. I heard Emmer on the radio this morning (KNOW)

...on the drive into work, talking about this. I also question the validity of research on this topic. I've heard of it being used before, but last I heard results were inconclusive.

If the chemical castration is voluntary, that's one thing. But it is still unethical to force offenders to undergo it as a form of punishment, IMHO.