Senator Regina Barrow (D) Baton Rouge
Governor Landry signed off on legislation to allow judges the option to add surgical castration to a convicted sex offender’s sentence if the victim is under the age of thirteen. Baton Rouge Democrat, Senator Regina Barrow believes the bill she authored will deter such abuse against children.
“Because once they know that once you violate a child, in the form of rape, molestation or whatever it may be, then you can be subjected to castration,” said Barrow.
The bill received bipartisan support in the 2024 Regular Legislative Session.
Judges already have the option to add chemical castration to an offender’s sentence regardless of the victim’s age, but this bill allows for surgical castration depending on the victim’s age. Barrow believes a permanent procedure is warranted when children are violated.
“Those repeat habitual offenders, who are hurting our children will not be able to do that again. That’s exactly what this will actually stop,” said Barrow.
Barrow said she hopes the new law sends a message, loud and clear, of what can happen to individuals who sexually abuse children in Louisiana…
“This is not going to be allowed. I hope it’s louder than a message, I hope it becomes a whole lifestyle change,” said Barrow.
The law applies to both male and female offenders and requires a medical expert to determine if the procedure can be safely performed on the offender.
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