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.
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart