We, the undersigned citizens of the State of Indiana, respectfully petition the Indiana General Assembly to enact legislation requiring chemical castration as a mandatory condition of sentencing, parole, probation, or community corrections for all individuals convicted of child molestation or rape.

Whereas, child molestation and rape are among the most heinous and traumatic crimes, causing lifelong physical, emotional, and psychological harm to victims, particularly children; and

Whereas, child sex offenders frequently have multiple victims, with research indicating that nearly 70% of child sex offenders have between 1 and 9 victims, while at least 20% have 10 to 40 victims—and many serial child molesters accumulate far higher numbers, sometimes hundreds of victims over a lifetime if left unchecked; this pattern of repeated victimization underscores the urgent need for stronger preventive measures beyond incarceration alone; and

Whereas, long-term studies of child molesters show high recidivism risks, with sexual reoffending rates persisting for decades and posing ongoing threats to communities; and

Whereas, in Fort Wayne and Allen County, prosecutors have repeatedly offered plea deals to individuals charged with child molesting that result in reduced charges, sentencing caps, or lighter penalties—often described locally as "slaps on the wrist"—such as a 2026 case where a man accused of molesting a preteen girl over multiple years (charged with two counts) pleaded guilty to one count with a seven-year sentencing cap; other recent Allen County cases have involved guilty pleas to single counts of child molesting (from multiple original charges), dismissal of numerous counts, or lighter sentences in related sex crimes; these practices prioritize case resolution over maximum accountability and leave communities vulnerable to repeat offenders who may continue harming additional victims; and

Whereas, the State of Indiana has a fundamental duty to protect its most vulnerable residents—children and victims of sexual violence—from repeat offenders; and

Whereas, current Indiana law does not mandate chemical castration for these offenders (though House Bill 1455 in the 2025 session proposed a voluntary option limited to certain child sex offenders with victims under age 14), leaving communities at continued risk from high recidivism rates documented nationally and in Indiana for child molesters and rapists; and

Whereas, chemical castration is a reversible, non-surgical medical treatment (typically involving medications such as medroxyprogesterone acetate) that has been successfully used in multiple U.S. states as a condition of release for sex offenders, serving as both a deterrent and a protective measure without constituting permanent mutilation;

Therefore, we demand that the Indiana General Assembly immediately pass and the Governor sign into law legislation that:

Requires chemical castration as a mandatory condition for any individual convicted of:

Child molestation (IC 35-42-4-3 or related statutes involving minors under 18),

Rape (IC 35-42-4-1),

or any other felony sex offense involving sexual violence or molestation of a child or non-consenting adult.

Makes refusal or discontinuation of the required chemical castration treatment a felony offense, resulting in revocation of parole/probation and return to incarceration.

Provides for court-ordered administration under medical supervision, with costs borne by the offender where possible, and includes appropriate exceptions only for clear medical contraindications as determined by a qualified physician.

Applies to both first-time and repeat offenders, with enhanced penalties for repeat convictions.

This measure is essential to prioritize the safety of Indiana families, reduce the burden on our prison system, and send a clear message that the State of Indiana will not tolerate repeated sexual violence—especially when local plea practices in places like Fort Wayne appear to result in insufficient deterrence and accountability, allowing offenders who may have harmed or could harm dozens of additional victims to return to the community too easily. Chemical castration offers a proven, targeted tool to protect our children and citizens while holding offenders accountable in a way that incarceration and plea negotiations alone have not achieved.

We urge the Indiana General Assembly to take swift action on this critical public safety issue during the current legislative session.

Respectfully submitted,

Initiated by: Sam Nei

Fort Wayne, Indiana

Date: March 27, 2026