Comment on this statement relating to crime and punishment

[bills217]

I recently was having a discussion w/ someone regarding crime and punishment (sparked by the whole Tookie thing), when the other party made this statement after I stated that I believed sex offenders should be castrated (both as a deterrent and a preventative measure against future crime):

"I think castration is equivalent to the death penalty."

Regardless of whether or not you agree with my opinion, please comment on that statement.