Alabama proposes chemical castration for convicted pedophiles seeking parole

Alabama is planning to require convicted pedophiles to undergo chemical castration in order to be granted parole from prison, a controversial measure already in effect in several other US states.

The southern state's legislature passed a bill stipulating that any inmate aged 21 or over who was convicted of a sexual crime against a minor aged under 13 years must take medication to reduce their testosterone before they can be granted early release.

The treatment, which affects a person's libido, will continue until a judge rules it to be "no longer necessary." If the person stops taking their medication, they will be returned to jail.

Aside from exceptional cases, the parolees will have to pay for the medication themselves, according to the bill, which has been sent to Republican governor Kay Ivey who has voiced her support for it.

"They have marked this child for life and the punishment should fit the crime," the bill's sponsor, lawmaker Steve Hurst, told local WIAT radio.

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