Issues of sex: morality versus freedom. Is there a middle ground?

Question

Is there a middle ground on this issue? I can understand that we live in a progressive era, and I can certainly understand that we want all people to be treated equally under the law. However, at the same time I do want to live far away from child molesters, strip clubs, and places where prostitution takes place. I also really don't want to have to explain what a drag queen or a transsexual is to my child until they are grown-up enough to understand. I'm not even sure I understand.

I admit that I just don't get it, and maybe it's a failing. I am not motivated by hatred, nor do I wish to enforce my views on the entire world, but would it be wrong for me and others like me to simply live in communities which have decency laws, and those who are more accepting of every kind of behavior to live in more liberal communities?

Perhaps we could tolerate other points of view if they weren't forced on us. How about letting states decide these things so that all viewpoints are welcome?

I don't want any quoting of scripture or endless rambling about law here... I'm just asking if we could let the states decide what kind of moral values we have, so that we have states which legalize and states which criminalize things like prostitution, and public indecency, or allow gay marriage or civil unions or neither.

I don't see why we all have to force our personal way of life on everyone else. I don't want to live in a moral vaccuum, but I also don't see why those who wish to live in one cannot.

Different states, different laws. Why can't it work? The laws could be changed to accomodate both viewpoints, and then we could end this stupid debate and worry about things that really matter, like education and welfare.

I honestly don't see the comparison between civil rights afforded to black people and laws banning prostitution and public indecency. I think it's a bad argument. But someone is bound to compare the two.

I usually like your answers, coragryph, but...

The government DOES regulate morality. We legislate whether or not guns are legal, drugs are legal, whether or not child pornography is legal, whether gambling is legal, whether prostitution is legal.

I don't want to live in a cesspool. I think it's within my rights to legislate that on a local or state level. I want laws against vagrancy so that drug addicts don't deface public property, loiter in parks overnight, go rummaging through dumpsters, and contribute to the decay of western society.

Like I said, I understand your position.
But why, oh why, can't some states have laws your way, and some states have laws my way, so that everyone can be happy?

Answer 1

Well, for me you are lumping too many issues together. I don't want prostitution, drugs, child molesters anywhere near my child.

However, if there is a strip club in my town - so be it. Where I live there would never be one in or near my neighbourhood so not a huge issue.

Gays - a friendly happy couple of any sexual preference in fine by me. I just don't care. I want my children to grow up to accept all good people. Maybe my child will tell me he or she is gay - I can accept that.

Drag queens and transsexuals are a different breed and not necessarily bad or scary people. Should there be a law against these people being or living in certain places - NO.

I don't see any harm in allowing the different states to vote on what is important to them - instead of broad band regulations. However, leave gays, strip clubs and trans genders out of it.

I also might add, that when you tell people they can't do something they find sneaky and more dangerous ways to do it and put everyone safety firmly in jeopardy. Example - drug labs in common houses on common streets. Ticking time bombs right in nice neighbourhoods. Right around your children despite it being against the law.

I do like that your question doesn't attack these people/issues. Fair question. And for the most part, as a parent, I can very much relate to what you are trying to say.

Answer 2

Not really.

You either allow people to choose for themselves, or you support government regulation of people's private lives.

Morality is not really the issue, though. It's a matter of whether the govt is allowed to enforce morality as a matter of law, or whether people are allowed to choose and pursue their own morality.

Answer 3

"If you do not stand for something you will fall for anything". One cannot live a life trying to please everone on both sides of life. You need to take a stand that you believe in for your childrens sake if not your own.