SF Bay Guardian
Wed Oct 29, 2008
Yes on K is the Christian thing to do
OPINION Why would a
Christian minister support Proposition K, the November ballot
initiative that would decriminalize prostitution in San Francisco?
There are many reasons. Prop. K would allow sex workers to organize
for their rights and safety. It would enable them to report abuse in
the industry without fear of prosecution. It would improve their
chances of maintaining their health by lessening the stigma that
prevents many from seeking the health care services they need. And
it would do all this while still allowing law enforcement officials
to investigate and prosecute human traffickers.
I also feel a kindred spirit with prostitutes. Like me, they are a
stigmatized sexual minority in our culture. They, too, suffer due to
stereotypes and prejudice because of who they are. As a lesbian, I
know only too well what it is like to live in a world that is
dangerous for me because of hatred and discrimination.
But there is another reason I support this measure. Prop. K has my
vote because I believe that we who are created in the image of the
Divine are both spiritual and sexual beings, and we need ample
opportunities to nurture both parts of ourselves to be whole.
In the Bay Area we are fortunate to have access to a full range of
spiritual practices and traditions. Whether we worship in a
synagogue, mosque, church, temple, or at the altar of the Goddess,
we have a plethora of opportunities for spiritual exploration and
growth. Why shouldn't the same range of offerings be available for
the sexual aspects of our lives as well?
Human sexuality is an incredibly complex and wondrous thing. Some of
us are able to find sexual satisfaction in long-term relationships.
But limiting everyone to such a narrow path for sexual expression is
like saying we all must be Christians to find God. Because we don't
limit our spirituality to such narrow expression (well, perhaps
people like Sarah Palin do), why do we insist on forcing our
sexuality into such a box?
Some of us like spanking. Some of us just
want to be held. Some of us want to be told what to do. Sometimes we
need sex without a long-term relationship. Many of us, because of
our age, physical illness, or circumstances beyond our control, have
a difficult time finding sex partners. Many find our most powerful
spiritual places within ourselves through fantasies we cannot bring
ourselves to share with our partners. I want to live in a world
where we all have opportunities to experience those transcendent
places without shame, and where the sex workers who can help us
access those places may do so without fear of arrest or
stigmatization.
I believe we must all work together to create a world in which no
one is penalized, persecuted, or harassed for their gender
presentation, sexual orientation, or sexual activity with consenting
adults. Prop. K is one step closer to ensuring that the human rights
of all sexual minorities are protected and promoted everywhere,
which is why I will be voting yes. As far as I'm concerned, it's
just the Christian thing to do.
Rev. Lea Brown is the senior minister of the Metropolitan Community
Church of San Francisco