Virginia legislator proposes castration for violent sex offenders

An Augusta County legislator is proposing that the state offer the option of castrating violent sex offenders. Senator Emmett Hanger says he's very serious about his idea because he's concerned that funding for the housing and treatment of sex offenders will eventually run out. Under state law, violent sexual predators who have finished serving their criminal sentences but are considered to still pose a danger to the community are subjected to a civil process that can force them to participate in an inpatient program.

Hanger's legislation would propose that when the only option is secure inpatient treatment, the offender could ask a court to allow physical castration as a term of conditional release. Studies on the effectiveness of castration as a deterrent are inconclusive.

source: 'Virginia Legislator Proposes Castration For Violent Sex Offenders'; www.wtkr.com/Global/story.asp?S=4439042&nav=ZolHbyvj; WTKR (AP); 1 February 2006