Singapore Open to Chemical Castration for Sex Offenders if Effectiveness Proven

Singapore is open to considering pharmacological anti-androgen treatments, commonly known as chemical castration, to tackle sex crimes if clear evidence emerges that the measure effectively reduces crime rates. Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam stated in a written parliamentary reply on September 8 that current evidence regarding the effectiveness of such treatments remains inconclusive.

Responding to questions from MP Gerald Giam, Minister Shanmugam emphasized that the government already imposes stiff penalties for sexual offences, particularly those involving minors. For rape or penetrative sexual assault of a minor under 14 without consent, penalties include a mandatory jail term of at least eight years, up to 20 years, and a minimum of 12 strokes of the cane. Outrage of modesty against a minor under 14 can result in up to five years in jail, a fine, and caning. If the minor is restrained or hurt, the offender faces a mandatory minimum jail term of three years, extending up to 10 years, and mandatory caning.

Legislative measures have been updated to enhance public protection. The Sentence for Enhanced Public Protection, which commenced in July, allows the court to detain serious violent or sexual offenders for between five and 20 years, with release granted only if the Minister for Home Affairs assesses that the person no longer poses a threat to the public.

Regarding the proposal for a sex offender register, Minister Shanmugam explained that police already maintain a non-public record of individuals convicted of serious offences, including sexual crimes. This information is shared with selected agencies, such as the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Social and Family Development, when screening applicants for roles involving sustained contact with children. The government is considering expanding this screening to include more roles, including those in unregulated sectors. Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs Goh Pei Ming noted that this expansion follows an incident where two children were abused by a self-styled religious influencer.