Criminal records prove an alarming rate of sexual offenders and pedophiles are recidivists (repeat offenders). There are 3,300 plus registered sex offenders in South Dakota. Offenders with a previous sex offense conviction have a 37% re-offense rate.

We the undersigned, request the state of South Dakota to consider chemical castration when sentencing sex offenders or pedophiles as an attempt at a solution to decrease the chances of the offender repeating the offense and harming other children.

Registered sex offenders or pedophiles convicted of a sex offense against a child under the age of consent, 16, in the state of South Dakota should begin chemical castration a month before release from custody. Chemical castration involves administering medication -- via tablets or injection -- to take away sexual interest and make it impossible for a person to perform sexual acts. This procedure should be upheld for the length of their lifetimes as part of a compliance measure. If not upheld, additional sentencing should be mandated until procedures are followed. Currently, there are 9 states that allow chemical or surgical castration of sex offenders. They are Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Montana, Oregon, Texas, and Wisconsin.