Singapore Govt open to using chemical castration to tackle sex crimes if proven effective: minister
Singapore's Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam announced the government is open to considering chemical castration for sex offenders if its effectiveness in reducing crime rates is definitively proven. He emphasized the country's existing severe penalties and legislative efforts against sexual crimes, particularly those involving minors, while acknowledging the inconclusive evidence for chemical castration.
Why it matters
This discussion reflects a global debate on extreme measures for crime deterrence and rehabilitation, showcasing Singapore's proactive stance on public safety and its cautious approach to unproven methods.
SINGAPORE: The Government is open to considering measures including pharmacological anti-androgen treatments, also known as chemical castrations, if it is clear such measures are effective in bringing down crime rates.
Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam was responding in a written reply on Tuesday (Sept 8) to a question from Gerald Giam (Aljunied GRC) about whether the Ministry of Home Affairs had evaluated measures such as pharmacological anti-androgen treatments, and a sex offender register to deter sexual offences against children and young people.
Senior Minister Shanmugam, who is also the Coordinating Minister for National Security, said the Government takes a serious view of sexual crimes and imposes stiff penalties, especially when the victims are minors.
He said there are already heavy penalties that act as a deterrent.
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