Louisiana Governor Signs Bill Authorizing Surgical Castration for Child Sex Offenders

A court-appointed medical expert will need to determine whether the offender is ‘an appropriate candidate’ for surgical castration.

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry speaks during a press conference at the Louisiana State Capitol in Baton Rouge, La., on June 18, 2024. Hilary Scheinuk/The Advocate via AP

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry has signed into law a bill that would allow state judges to sentence those convicted of sex crimes against victims under the age of 13 to undergo surgical castration.

Senate Bill 371, sponsored by state Sen. Regina Ashford Barrow, is expected to take effect on Aug. 1 following the Republican governor’s signature on June 18.