This is one of those takes that’s so controversial I’m afraid to post it, which is exactly why I have to.

I neither endorse nor disavow this, and no, I’m not in the picture.

  • masterofn001@lemmy.ca
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    5 months ago

    Canada absolutely does do this.

    But.

    Chemical castration is not permanent. It’s some drug/chemical that basically blocks a hormone or something. Supposed to reduce libido.

    As far as I know it’s the only pharmaceutical that can be legally ordered to take as condition of sentencing etc.

    All it does is suppress something. It doesn’t treat it.

    It’s like putting mittens on someone who robbed a bank.

    • Sundial@lemm.ee
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      5 months ago

      Except it opens up the possibility or exploration of topics such as eugenics. It also has a lot of potential side effects on the body that may or may not be known. This could open the government to lawsuits as SO’s can say they were negatively impacted by these drugs. You’re correct in that it’s not permanent. But it doesn’t mean it’s safe or the best course of action.

      • masterofn001@lemmy.ca
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        5 months ago

        That’s entirely my point.

        It doesn’t treat it. Not really.

        It suppress urges. Chemically.

        There are other options.

        Counselling, therapy, groups like AA, all the examples I gave in my first post. Those are very available to other offending types. But for an SO they don’t exist, or would be very expensive, or difficult to navigate because of the stigma.

        There’s nothing to make someone not gay, or not straight,or not attracted to children. But there are means of regulating thinking, compulsions, urges, etc.

        The barrier is the stigma for treatments.

        • Sundial@lemm.ee
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          5 months ago

          Pedophiles will always exist. It’s the unfortunate truth. But if we can reduce the amount if children subjected to sexual assault or rape then we should absolutely explore it. That’s what this article is about. Removing the stigma for treatments that you accurately described as a barrier. How successful this approach is remains to be seen. But it’s a worthy and sound discussion to have. And who knows, if it kicks off maybe we can even have people treat it before they actually hurt a child. It’s a big maybe and will not happen for long time but we can try and make steps towards that goal.

          There are more extreme methods such as chemical castration, sure. But that has its drawbacks as I mentioned in my comment above.