On Wednesday, Italy’s lower house of parliament approved a motion to establish a committee for potentially legalizing chemical castration for violent sex offenders.

The proposed treatment would be consensual and reversible, aimed at reducing re-offending.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s right-wing administration, which has introduced tougher crime laws since 2022, supports the move, driven by coalition partner the far-right League.

However, opposition groups criticized the proposal as extremist and unconstitutional, arguing it undermines human rights and justice, Politico has reported.

Critics also question the treatment’s effectiveness and its potential side effects.

Written by B.C. Begley