Italy Pushes for Chemical Castration of Rapists, Pedophils
Italy Pushes for Chemical Castration of Rapists, Pedophils
The Italian government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, is advancing a proposal to introduce chemical castration for those convicted of sexual violence and pedophilia.
Driven by the Lega party, the initiative has moved into a formal drafting phase, with a technical commission now working to integrate hormone-blocking treatments into the national penal code.
Proponents, including Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, argue that pharmacological treatment is a necessary tool to ensure “zero recidivism.”
The proposal suggests that these medical interventions could be voluntary in exchange for reduced sentences or potentially mandated for repeat offenders, focusing primarily on the protection of women and children.
The move has sparked a fierce constitutional debate, as critics argue it violates Article 27, which requires punishments to be humane and rehabilitative.
Opposition leaders have condemned the plan as “medieval,” asserting that the state should not have the authority to forcibly alter a citizen’s biological functions as a form of criminal justice.
Medical and legal experts have raised ethical concerns regarding the role of doctors in administering state-mandated punishment. Critics also question the long-term efficacy of the treatment, noting that suppressing physical drive does not necessarily address the psychological roots of violent behavior or ensure true rehabilitation without intensive therapy.
This policy is part of a broader “Security Bill” aimed at tightening domestic laws and increasing public order. By pursuing this path, Italy aligns itself with a small number of nations like Poland that utilize similar treatments, signaling a shift toward more aggressive, biology-based sentencing within the European Union.
As the bill faces further parliamentary scrutiny in 2026, its future likely depends on inevitable challenges in the Constitutional Court.
The outcome will set a major legal precedent regarding the balance between public safety and bodily autonomy, marking a significant turning point in Italian judicial history.
