Asian state weighs chemical castration for child sex offenders
Singapore is considering chemical castration for sex offenders amid a rise in reported sexual crimes, particularly those involving children.
Police recorded 1,531 molestation cases in 2025, up 7.3% from 1,427 the previous year.
The issue was raised in parliament this week, with lawmakers questioning whether penalties and safeguards for minors should be strengthened.
Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam said on Tuesday that the government remains open to using anti-androgen drugs, commonly known as chemical castration, if there is clear evidence that they can reduce crime rates.
“So far, the evidence is not conclusive on that,” he said in a written parliamentary reply.
Chemical castration involves drugs that suppress testosterone and reduce sexual desire. Unlike surgical castration, it does not involve removing reproductive organs, and its effects are generally reversible once treatment is stopped.
Singapore already imposes severe penalties for sexual crimes against children. Rape or penetrative sexual assault of a child under 14 without consent carries between eight and 20 years in prison and at least 12 strokes of a cane.
A new sentencing system that took effect in July allows serious violent or sexual offenders considered at substantial risk of reoffending to be held beyond their minimum prison term of between five and 20 years. They can remain in custody longer if authorities determine they still pose a threat to the public.
The wider debate over safeguards has followed a recent case involving a self-styled religious mentor who committed sexual offenses against children after previously being arrested over the alleged molestation of a 17-year-old and released on bail. The case prompted lawmakers to question whether bail conditions and screening rules for people working with children should be tightened.
Chemical castration is already permitted for certain sex offenders in several countries, including South Korea, Indonesia, and Kazakhstan, while some European countries use hormone-suppressing medication on a voluntary basis. Several US states also authorize the measure in some form.
