WARSAW, Poland, Sept. 25 (UPI) -- A bill proposing that Poland begin chemically castrating convicted pedophiles passed through the lower house of Parliament and is awaiting Senate approval.
Polish Radio said Friday the proposed penal code amendment would focus on individuals convicted of Internet grooming of a minor, incestuous rape or committing sexual crimes against an individual under the age of 15.
The proposal, which received nearly unanimous support in the lower house, would grant courts the power to order castration for pedophiles six months before their release from prison.
Doctors said the chemical castration procedure is actually a series of medical treatments intended to reduce an individual's libido. They said sexual urges should return to normal following cessation of the treatments, which theoretically cause no long-term problems.
Polish Radio said if the Senate approves the amendment Poland would become the first European Union member to punish pedophiles with chemical castration.
