Government lowers age of castration for sexual offenders

The government on Thursday passed an amendment to existing legislation which lowers the age of castration for sexual offenders in the Czech Republic from 25 to 21 years. According to Health Minister Svatopluk Němeček, castration will only be performed based on a patient’s request. Ombudswoman Anna Šabatová was against the move, arguing that the effects of surgical castration are irreversible and can have negative health impacts. She also said younger people are not able to assess its consequences. The new legislation will also improve the system of supervision of people in protective therapy.

Author: Ruth Fraňková