Pubdate: Wed, 02 Jul 2003 Source: Orlando Sentinel (FL) Copyright: 2003 Orlando Sentinel Contact: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/325 Author: Alison Keeley, Orlando Ref: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v03/n991/a01.html HARMING OTHERS I completely agree with the first part of Jack Chambless' "My Word" opinion, and do see the right that homosexuals do have to their lifestyle. However, Chambless' second opinion, that, by our Constitution, we should allow the legalization of controlled substances and prostitution, does not makes sense constitutionally or logically. What Chambless fails to see is the difference between the sodomy laws and those against prostitution and drugs. The sodomy laws were discriminatory against homosexuals, effectively preventing their way of life. However, preventing prostitution is different because it is not preventing people of either sexual orientation from living their lives but simply bans something that has been shown to be harmful to the general society. The same is true for drugs. Also, the sodomy laws did not protect the general well-being of the American public, while those against prostitution and drugs do, as both can and do destroy people's lives, happiness and well-being. The Constitution gives us a right to be as human beings but not to do things that are harmful to society as a whole. So, although I agree with the Supreme Court's decision, I pray that no one ever legalizes drugs and prostitution. - --- MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart