Reps reject castration as punishment for rape

House of Representatives members on Thursday June 4, rejected castration as punishment for people convicted of rape.

The suggestion was made by Hon James Faleke during a debate on the motion of increased sexual violence against women particularly the rape and murder of two girls in Oyo and Edo states recently.

The lawmakers who identified “weak institutions, poor enforcement, poverty and unacceptable social practices” as part of the reasons for sexual violence against women, rejected Faleke’s suggestion when Speaker of the house, Femi Gbajabiamila subjected it to a voice vote.

Gbajabiamila also asked what would happen to an older female who rapes a younger male which generated noise in the chamber.

Although the lawmakers voted against castration of rapists as an amendment to the motion, they called for stiffer penalties against persons found guilty of rape.

They also asked the federal government to launch a more effective campaign against rape and other forms of sexual violence against women.