HOUSE ENDORSES DRUG TREATMENT OF SEX OFFENDERS

SALEM, Ore. (AP) -- The state would set up a pilot project to treat
sex offenders with drugs under a bill easily approved by the House.

The measure to create a so-called chemical castration program passed
on a 44-13 vote Thursday and goes to the Senate.

"Our families are at risk," said Rep. Kurt Schrader, D-Canby, in
urging support for treating released sex offenders with a hormone drug
aimed at curbing sexual aggression.

"We need to use all the tools at our disposal when dealing with these
guys," said Schrader, the floor manager for the measure.

The state corrections department estimates almost 800 sex offenders
will be released from Oregon prisons this year. The department would
operate the program, requiring up to 50 sex offenders to take a drug
called Depo-Provera as a condition of parole.

Doctors would screen inmates to determine whether they should
participate in the program.

Schrader said the use of hormone drugs reduced repeat sex offenses
from 50 percent to 2 percent in one experiment conducted in Europe and
is being used in six states.

But Democratic Rep. Judy Uherbelau, D-Ashland, said the bill raises
questions about violation of due process rights because an inmate who
refused to be in the program could be denied parole.

"I'd say that is coercion," said Uherbelau, an Ashland attorney. She
also contended the bill is too broad because it could require people
convicted of lesser offenses such as public indecency to participate
in the drug program.

"There's no evidence (the program) would help in those situations,"
she said.

The bill number is HB2500.