I am both intrigued and appalled by the recent case in Louisiana where a man was sentenced to 50 years in prison and physical castration for raping a teen. The fact that he agreed to this outcome as part of a plea deal is both surprising and disturbing. It brings up a myriad of questions and concerns about the justice system, ethics, and the treatment of sex offenders.
The idea that a 2008 Louisiana law allows men convicted of certain rape offenses to be sentenced to chemical castration, or elect to be physically castrated, is a shocking revelation. In this particular case, the perpetrator will be physically castrated by the state’s Department of Corrections, but not until a week before the end of his 50-year sentence, effectively rendering the punishment somewhat symbolic given his advanced age at that point.… Continue reading
Paedophiles could be stripped of parental rights under new law. When I first heard about this proposed law in Wales, my initial reaction was one of disbelief. How is it possible that convicted paedophiles still have parental rights in the first place? It seems like a no-brainer to me that someone who has committed such heinous acts should not be allowed to have any involvement in raising a child, let alone have parental rights protected by law.
The fact that this proposal is specifically targeted towards convicted paedophiles, and not just anyone with paedophilic tendencies, adds an important layer of nuance.… Continue reading
As I sit here reflecting on the recent news of a pastor who sexually abused a child for nearly 7 years receiving probation, I am utterly disgusted and outraged. The victim, a young girl who was under 9 when the abuse started, was subjected to unimaginable horrors by someone who was supposed to be a figure of trust, guidance, and faith. The fact that this predator was able to walk away with a slap on the wrist is a slap in the face to justice, morality, and basic human decency.
How is it possible that in a society that claims to uphold the values of righteousness and protection of the innocent, a child rapist can be let off so easily?… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker