Singapore Weighs Chemical Castration to Curb Sex Crimes, Says Minister

Singapore considers chemical castration to reduce sex crimes as home minister highlights need for proven effectiveness.

September 9, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Singapore — Singapore is exploring the possibility of chemical castration as a potential tool to address rising sex crime rates, according to Home Minister K Shanmugam.

The minister emphasized that any decision would depend on whether evidence supports the measure’s effectiveness in reducing such offenses. He stated the government takes sexual crimes seriously and enforces strict penalties when necessary.

Recent data from The Straits Times shows an increase in sexual assault cases in the first half of 2026, with 762 molestation reports and 261 rape incidents. Chemical castration involves the use of anti-androgen medications to lower testosterone levels and reduce sexual drive, a practice currently used voluntarily in Germany and Denmark and as a mandatory punishment in Poland.

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Shanmugam also mentioned the potential for expanding background checks to include more roles involving contact with children, including voluntary screening for unregulated sectors. Existing measures already cover positions like mosque staff, religious teachers, school employees, and registered coaches.

Singapore maintains stringent punishments for sex crimes, including up to 20 years in prison for rape involving minors under 14. The new sentencing framework, which took effect in July, targets violent offenders and those at high risk of reoffending, with additional penalties such as caning and fines.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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