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June 12, 2019

Alabama Gov. Signs Chemical Castration Bill into Law
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In Alabama, Republican Governor Kay Ivey signed into law a bill
mandating child sex offenders undergo chemical castration as a condition
of their parole. The law would apply to anyone found convicted of
committing a sexual offense with a child under the age of 13. Six other
states have similar laws for certain sex offenders.

Medical experts and human rights groups have raised concerns about the
practice. The Alabama American Civil Liberties Union says that chemical
castration is unconstitutional as it violates due process and privacy
laws. The executive director of the Alabama ACLU said of the new law,
"They really misunderstand what sexual assault is about. Sexual assault
isn't about sexual gratification. It's about power. It's about control."


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