In France an article was inserted into the penal code providing severe punishment for such mutilations.

Fortunately castration for the production of "castrata," or tenor singers, has almost fallen into disuse.

Among the ancient Egyptians and Persians amputation of the virile member was inflicted for certain crimes of the nature of rape.
Castration as a religious rite has played a considerable role.

With all their might the Emperors Constantine and Justinian opposed the delirious religion of the priests of Cybele, and rendered their offence equivalent to homicide.

At the annual festivals of the Phrygian Goddess Amma (Agdistis) it was the custom of young men to make eunuchs of themselves with sharp shells, and a similar rite was recorded among Phoenicians.