The Singaporean government is considering introducing "chemical castration"—medical treatment to reduce sexual capacity—to curb the recidivism of individuals involved in serious sexual offenses, including rape.

However, the government noted that definitive proof regarding the method's effectiveness in reducing crime is not yet available.

In a written parliamentary reply on Tuesday, Minister for Home Affairs K. Shanmugam stated that the government is prepared to consider such treatments if clear evidence of efficacy emerges.

Meanwhile, Singapore is also looking into expanding criminal record checks, including screening for sexual offenses, prior to hiring candidates in additional professions involving contact with children and youth.

Authorities are evaluating whether to introduce voluntary screening in sectors where mandatory checks are not currently required.

Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs Sun Xueling (Goh Pei Ming) noted that such background checks are currently mandatory for full-time mosque workers, accredited religious teachers, school and preschool staff, and registered coaches.

Shanmugam pointed out that Singapore already maintains strict penalties for severe sexual offenses.

A new sentencing framework introduced last July targets offenders who pose a high risk of reoffending and have committed grave acts of violence or sexual crimes.

Under this new framework, such offenders will face minimum custodial sentences ranging from five to 20 years.

They will not be released until an assessment determines they no longer pose a threat to the public.

In Singapore, the crime of rape carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in imprisonment, which in certain cases may be accompanied by fines or caning.
Source: Bloomberg