The Parliament of Madagascar has approved legislation allowing for chemical and, in certain instances, surgical castration as a punishment for individuals convicted of raping a minor.

While the law has faced criticism from international human rights organizations, it has garnered support from activists who believe it serves as a suitable deterrent to address a prevalent “rape culture.”

The law was passed by the Parliament of the Indian Ocean island nation, consisting of 28 million people, on February 2. Subsequently, the Senate, the upper house, also endorsed it last week.

The next steps involve ratification by the High Constitutional Court and the law being signed by President Andry Rajoelina, who initially raised the issue in December, with the government proposing the legislative change.

Justice Minister Landy Mbolatiana Randriamanantenasoa emphasized the necessity of this measure due to a rise in child rape cases, the Associated Press reported.

In 2023, there were recorded 600 cases of minor rape, and by January of this year, 133 cases had already been documented.

Written by B.C. Begley