Poland introduces compulsory castration for sex-offenders

2nd October 2009

Poland’s lower house of parliament has passed legislation sanctioning the chemical castration of paedophiles in a move that has drawn criticism from human rights groups.

The new law makes the use of chemicals to lower the convicts’ sex drive mandatory in cases of rape of a close family member or a person less than 15 years of age.

A brain-child of the Law and Justice (PiS) party the legislation sailed through the parliament, with 400 voting in favour and just one voice in opposition. It now passes to the upper house, where it expected to be approved without opposition.

Under further provisions contained in the legislation sex offenders will also receive treatment from psychiatrist ...