Louisiana Approves Surgical Castration for Child Sex Offenders

Louisiana lawmakers have approved a bill allowing judges to sentence individuals convicted of certain aggravated sex crimes against children under 13 to surgical castration, in addition to prison time. The bill, which received strong support in the GOP-dominated chambers, now awaits the decision of Governor Jeff Landry. The legislation aims to serve as a deterrent and an additional punishment for severe offenses, though it has faced criticism for being potentially "cruel and unusual punishment."