Greetings,
Through varying events, circumstances, media and people, the LORD has been putting a burden on my heart. I find myself thinking and praying, more and more frequently, for prostituted women. (I learned that term recently. Ill use it because it doesn't hide the reality of prostitution yet is also accurate about how most women who sell their bodies do so involuntarily). I recently purchased a movie titled Nefarious: Merchant of Souls. It provides an in-depth look at the global sex trade industry. I very highly recommend this movie for viewing in church groups and Bible Studies. It is educational, sobering, and yet hopeful all the same. (purchase online at Exoduscry.org, all proceeds go towards fighting human trafficking).
Since this has been growing on my heart recently I was dismayed to find out that a court in Ontario has ruled to legalize brothels. It is supposed that allowing prostitution to go indoors and to hire body guards will make it safer. It isn't final yet but I want to stand against it for this reason: Approximately 90% of women want out of prostitution. Decriminalizing it will further enable pimps, traffickers and johns to marginalize and violate women. Unless this is overturned, they will be able to do so legally. Our society already degrades women through media and advertising. ALL people are made in the image of God and deserve dignity and respect. Jesus Christ came to proclaim liberty to the captives. This is not an issue of whether or not to legislate morality. This is an issue of protecting the vulnerable, and delivering the oppressed.
Although there are differing opinions out there as to the best way to protect prostituted women. The most effective so far, is a model that was pioneered by Sweden and has been adopted by other Nordic Countries. It is a model that protects prostituted women but punishes those who buy sex. (Called the Swedish Model) Since prostituted women are viewed as victims they are more easily able to receive help and get out of prostitution. And since sex buyers and traffickers are punished (since their laws are more clear than they are here), the supply and demand have significantly decreased.
My hope is that Canada would adopt similar legislation. That our society as a whole would shift to affirm and respect the dignity of all people. That the Church (ie. we) would pursue the face of God and receive his heart for justice and mercy. That Jesus Christ would receive all the glory.
