Oklahoma House passes bill for chemical castration of child sex offenders

The Oklahoma House of Representatives passed House Bill 2422, which mandates chemical castration for child sex offenders before they can be considered for parole. Authored by Representative Scott Fetgatter, the bill aims to address concerns following the 2023 Henryetta mass murder-suicide and is part of his ongoing efforts to strengthen penalties for such offenders. Under the bill, offenders who commit crimes against children under 13 and are deemed likely to reoffend by mental health evaluations would be subject to this treatment. Fetgatter, who has previously proposed harsher penalties, acknowledges the potential for legal challenges but points to similar legislation in Louisiana as a precedent. Critics argue that the bill may constitute cruel and unusual punishment, raising constitutional concerns. Despite these challenges, Fetgatter remains committed to protecting children and ensuring stricter consequences for offenders.