Legislators in Louisiana have approved a bill establishing penalties for child rapists. According to the bill, individuals found guilty of sexually assaulting or abusing minors under the age of 13 will face surgical castration.
If the bill receives approval from Governor Jeff Landry, child rapists will undergo the removal of their genitals (ovaries and testes) after serving their sentences.
Delisha Boyd, the proposer of the bill, stated that her decision was influenced by reports of a rapist allegedly involved in the molestation of a 12-year-old in May, with a prior conviction for abusing a five-year-old. She received support from fellow Democrat State Senator Regina Barrow, and together, they garnered support from other lawmakers, including Republicans, leading to the smooth passage of the bill.
The bill stipulates that convicted child sex offenders will undergo surgical castration no later than one week following the completion of their sentence.
“I said, ‘We’ve got to push it — we have to do something for these kids.
“We are talking about babies who are being violated by somebody,” the paper further cited Ms Barrow as telling lawmakers back in April. “That is inexcusable,” Ms Boyd was quoted saying.
Convicted felons have the option of serving longer sentences if they wish to have their genitals intact. No gender was exempted from the bill.