Madagascar law allowing castration of child rapists prompts criticism from rights groups

By SARAH TETAUD
Associated Press

ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar (AP) — Madagascar’s Parliament has passed a law allowing for the chemical and in some cases surgical castration of those found guilty of the rape of a minor. That has prompted criticism from international rights groups but has also found support from activists in the country who say it’s an appropriate deterrent to try to curb a “rape culture.” Parliament in the Indian Ocean island nation of 28 million passed the law on Feb. 2 and the Senate, the upper house, approved it last week. It must now be ratified by the High Constitutional Court and signed into law by President Andry Rajoelina.