Chemical castration for paedophiles approved

Convicted paedophiles are to be forced to undergo chemical castration as a condition of their parole, under new measures approved in California.

Last week the California Assembly approved the move by 51 to 8. It was passed by the state senate in August, by a similar margin, and now awaits only the signature of governor Pete Wilson, who supports the move. California will be the first state to force convicted paedophiles to undergo chemical castration, but Florida, Texas, Massachusetts, and Washington are considering similar measures.

Under the terms of the law, which takes effect on 1 January 1997, castration would be optional for first time …