Child Molester's Request For Castration Is OKd // `I've Still Got The Disease,' Says McQuay

AUSTIN The Texas attorney general on Thursday said an admittedpedophile who is up for parole can be voluntarily castrated before heis released from prison.

The ruling by Attorney General Dan Morales could pave the wayfor convicted child molester Larry Don McQuay, 32, to undergo theprocedure he says will curb his lust for children.

Whether he is castrated or not, Morales said McQuay should beclosely monitored after his release from prison because castrationdoes not ensure that he will not follow through on threats to rapeand kill his next victim."It appears to be the opinion of a majority of clinicians whohave written on the subject that no surgical procedure - includingcastration - can be viewed as a foolproof method of `curing' sexoffenders," Morales said in a letter to the state's parole board.McQuay claims he has molested more than 200 youngsters and haspromised to attack again. He has served six years of an eight-yearsentence for molesting a 6-year-old boy.McQuay earned early release for good behavior and will probablybe released Monday, said Victor Rodriguez, chairman of the TexasBoard of Pardons and Paroles."It's headed that way, and we intend to follow the law,"Rodriguez said Wednesday. He said the paperwork should be completetoday.Details of McQuay's release, including where he will live andhow closely he will be monitored, will be announced Monday, Rodriguezsaid."We have to be extra, extra careful and do everything that wepossibly can within the means of the law to protect the people thathe may find himself around," he said.McQuay was supposed to have been released Tuesday to a Houstonhalfway house, but those plans were scuttled after an outcry from avictims' rights group.Meanwhile, McQuay, who was waiting at a prison near the town ofRusk, renewed his call that he be castrated and said he would welcomethe operation if it is required for his release."I've still got the disease and I know my weaknesses," McQuaysaid.McQuay has promised to attack again if released - and to killhis victims. On Wednesday, however, he said he made those remarks inan effort to bring attention to his plea for castration."I was trying my best to get the surgery, trying to angerpeople," McQuay said. "I wish I hadn't been so adamant."McQuay said he wants to start a lawn-care business and "getmarried and have a decent life."As for his victims, "There's not much I can say. I can say I'msorry. But that's not enough to take care of the damage I'vecaused."Contributing: Associated Press