Civilised countries do not treat people like animals

During his tenure as Justice Minister, Phil Goff has done his utmost to pander to the "hang 'em high" brigade, and competed with National and ACT to be ever more vindictive, merciless, and "tougher" towards criminals.

Now he's thinking of castrating sex offenders.

This is simply needless barbarity. We have perfectly adequate mental health regulations which provide for the treatment and, if necessary, incarceration of individuals who are a danger to the community. But who cares about that - or about human rights, or medical ethics - when you can grub votes?

Next week: Goff considers introducing amputation for convicted burglars.