In a new proposed bill by state lawmakers sex offenders in New Mexico would be required to undergo chemical castration as a condition of their parole.
State Reps. John Block of Alamogordo and Stefani Lord, both Republicans, claim that House Bill 128 would be a “commonsense” step to protect children from pedophiles.
Should New Mexico require chemical castration for sex offenders? https://t.co/P0uqKnZSa4
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“Passage of this commonsense bill is the very least we can do to protect children in our communities from the horrific threat of pedophiles,” Block told Fox News Digital. “The New Mexico Legislature must now choose to either stand on the side of children’s safety by passing our bill or risk letting predators continue to abuse New Mexico children when let out on parole.”
What is chemical castration? Well, it is a process that causes the human body to stop producing sex hormones. This treatment has been shown to weaken sexual urges.
According to the bill, a person who is required to undergo the treatment would begin the process at least one month prior to their release. The treatment would continue until a court determines it is no longer necessary.
The therapy would be administered by the New Mexico Department of Health. According to the bill, the offender would be responsible for the costs unless they are indigent.
A bill in New Mexico would require certain convicted sex offenders to undergo chemical castration as a condition of their parole https://t.co/3XyVlzNYLU
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In addition, parolees would be required to allow the Health Department to share their medical records with the state Parole Board.
Offenders will not be forced to undergo the treatment. However, those who elect to stop the process before a court allows will be charged with a fourth-degree felony for being in violation of their parole.
Other states – Alabama, California, Florida, Iowa, Georgia, Louisiana, Montana, Oregon, Texas, and Wisconsin – have passed chemical castration laws.
