Overheard in Tyler: Should Prostitution Actually Be Legal in Texas? They Said…

We ran across yet another story of people who were caught in a prostitution sting in East Texas this week. Their mugshots and names were displayed for all the world to see. Ugh, their poor families.

As you're likely aware, prostitution is against the law in Texas. And so, kudos to all who took part in enforcing the law and for all of your incredibly hard work. We have so much respect for you. I don't know what any of us would do without you all.

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So then why even ask the question this headline poses? So, I overheard a conversation last Friday and someone had asked this very question. Their friends' responses were interesting (some were strange), but in both cases it got me thinking a bit. We've rephrased some of their thoughts here.

Should prostitution be legal in Texas?

For many of us, the answer would likely be a quick, emphatic "NO." 

After all, it goes directly against a moral code upon which many of our lives were built. I was taught that prostitution is wrong. Likely you were, too.

In a perfect world would we even be talking about this in Longview or Tyler, Texas? Or any other crime? Of course not. 

But here we are in a beautiful, but QUITE imperfect world.

In THIS world, people are wired to want/need physical interaction with other people--and at times that may include the more, um... intimate variety. Let's be honest--most people are going to engage in that activity at some point if they can. And there's nothing inherently wrong with that.

For many of us, these needs are met as part of a relationship with a significant other(s). A spouse, partner, or committed relationship of some kind.

Unfortunately, some people can't find a committed partner and may even struggle to find more casual company. Should they be forced to be lonely their entire life? In some extreme cases, this could cause some to turn to violence.

Others engage in more casual, consensual interactions with people. These more casual physical encounters would likely go against that same aforementioned moral code for some of us. However, most of us don't judge those situations nearly as harshly. (And we could all use less unqualified judgments from each other if we're honest.)

So. What makes the idea of a consenting, autonomous, adult exchanging companionship for money especially disturbing to many? 

**Now, to be crystal clear--ANY situation where a person is coerced or forced against their will to take part in this type of thing is WRONG WRONG WRONG, and detestable according to almost any commonly accepted moral belief. As well it should be. Period.**

But, in a situation where the parties are adults and willing and fully autonomous, would that make it seem more acceptable? Why or why not?

Would love to hear your insights.