If California existed in it’s own vacuum this probably wouldn’t be a problem. But the sad fact is that it is one of the largest and most populous states in the nation, and policies and opinions there often permeate the rest of US society.

This year, perhaps because of the upcoming election, perhaps because of our faltering economy, or other factors, California seems to be taking an even darker turn than usual. I think most people have heard about the destruction of marriage in this state, and I don’t think I need to delve into this, other than to add my own discontent and disgust. But I would like to introduce you to three stories you probably have not heard on the mainstream news which highlight where California and perhaps the rest of the country are heading. For lack of time, this post will focus on the first, to be followed by two more shortly thereafter.

Referendum to Legalize Prostitution in San Francisco

This fall’s general election will feature a ballot measure for citizens of San Francisco to decide whether or not they want to legalize (or more appropriately decriminalize) prostitution. The measure, as explained here, would not allow the police department or city attorney to allocate funds to the prosecution of sex workers (and if you can’t pay cops and lawyers to work, how can they”?).

It would also eliminate two very important programs the city uses to combat prostitution. The first is a program that uses racial profiling to target illegal immigrants involved in prostitution. This may sound bad, until we discover that this is a program to combat human trafficking. And what is another name for human trafficking? SLAVERY! That’s right folks! Slavery is alive and well in America. Most prostitutes don’t wake up one morning and decide that this is a good career move. Most are drawn so far down into poverty, either because of drugs, abuse, or in the case of illegal immigrants the inability to find other work, that they end up the property of some pimp, who will use and abuse them at their own pleasure, as well as that of the customers. Those who want out are often beaten or killed for their disobedience. If that doesn’t sound like slavery to you, I suggest you pick up a US History text book for a refresher.

But I digress. As I was writing and reading I got to thinking about some of the deeper implications of what this ballot measure could do. Let’s get back on track.

The second program is a first time offender’s program for “customers” that allows them to pay a $1000 fine and attend a class on prostitution in exchange for having the misdemeanor charge dropped. Men who participate in the program are 30% less likely to be arrested again. This means that 3 out of 10 men in this program are being turned away from the sin of prostitution. This program is not introducing them to The Gospel of Jesus Christ and convicting them of their sin, but it’s a start. This ballot initiative would end it.

This ballot initiative shows the inability of government to solve the problems of it’s citizens, as well as the inability to significantly improve their quality of life. But Jesus Christ can solve all problems. Jesus can elevate our lives from the finite to the infinite. Instead of making it easier for people to buy another person’s body for awhile, receiving physical pleasure but depriving themselves from the infinitely superior spiritual pleasure and assurance of being born again.

Why not refer these “sex workers” as they are called to a church group? Many churches would be all to happy to help them find housing, real work, and most importantly salvation. Instead of giving the “johns” a fine and a secular class, why not refer them to a men’s accountability group so they talk about their loneliness, lostness, and have someone to call if they feel tempted again.

I know this might sound radical. In fact to the secular bureaucrats, it might sound like secular blasphemy! But to me, it sounds like a Biblical World View put into action. And let’s not forget that individual crimes (prostitution apart from drugs or violence) don’t happen in a vacuum either. By legalizing prostitution San Francisco would undoubtedly be inviting more drugs, violence, and even murder into their community. Wouldn’t it be better to invite in faith, hope, and love? Wouldn’t it be better to try and deter crime, rather than promote more of it? Let me know what you think, and stay tuned for part two later this week.

I would also ask that you add the voting Citizens of San Francisco to your prayer list, that the Holy Spirit helps them to make the right decission on this issue. I would also ask that you pray for the conversion of all involved in the trafficking of humans and human sexuality: prostitutes, pimps, johns, drug dealers, and all their families. Thank you.