In a groundbreaking move, the government is exploring the use of chemical castration as a method to curb sexual offenses. Studies suggest that hormone-suppressing drugs can reduce reoffending rates by nearly two-thirds, effectively dulling the dangerous cravings that fuel these crimes.
Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood is reportedly preparing to roll out this treatment in 20 prisons across England and Wales as part of a nationwide initiative aimed at tackling sexual violence head-on.
Sources close to the government reveal that Mahmood is even contemplating extending the policy further, potentially making chemical castration a standard option for sexual offenders across the UK.
“For too long, we have turned a blind eye to the threat sex offenders pose, considering the solutions too difficult or unpalatable,” a government insider told The Sun, signaling a tougher stance on protecting communities.
“Shabana Mahmood isn’t squeamish about doing whatever it takes to protect the public,” a government insider told The Sun. “As always, she will grab this problem by the proverbials.”
According to reports, plans for a modest voluntary pilot program were dismissed for being too lenient. Instead, the government is eyeing a tougher, more decisive approach.
Chemical castration has already been used in some US states, including California, for paroled sexual offenders. Public opinion appears to back such measures: a recent February poll found that over two-thirds of people under 30 support castrating sex offenders, with 67% in favor of chemical castration and just 24% opposed. This reflects a generational shift towards stricter law-and-order policies, according to the survey by Find Out Now.
Interestingly, in countries like Germany, France, Sweden, and Denmark, some sexual offenders voluntarily seek chemical castration as a way to control their impulses.
The procedure typically involves two medications: one suppresses sexual thoughts, while the other lowers testosterone to reduce libido. Cyprus has even proposed chemical castration as an alternative to life imprisonment.
This push follows Kazakhstan’s recent announcement that 11 paedophiles in the Kostanay region will undergo chemical castration, with plans for surgical removal of genitalia for the worst offenders. These men were convicted of crimes against the sexual inviolability of minors. While details remain sparse, reports say the offenders are now receiving injections to suppress their libido.
At an annual cost of £278 per individual, these men are scheduled to receive up to 24 injections a year under Kazakhstan’s strict laws — some of the harshest in the world when it comes to child sex offenders.