Grace Curtis
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From the conception of the Catholic Church, the faithful followers have detested human trafficking. The human body is “in the image of God … [and] possesses the dignity of a person”, which is deserving of upmost reverence (CCC 357). Additionally, Catholics hold marriage and sexual relations to the highest standard as one of the most beautiful unions in the Church. Jesus himself preached against breaking such a union when he said “everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:27-28). Sex trafficking is a deliberate act against the sanctity of marriage and sexuality. In the Church sex is a wonderful, life-giving moment between two people bonded by Christ, but when someone forces it upon a slave sex is twisted into a moment of self-pleasure, lust, and deep sin. The victims’ dignity is disrespected and they are objectified. It is the exact opposite of what God intended for the human body. Most people don’t think of the effects that extend beyond the victim, but there are always multiple sides to those hurt by the sin. The leaders of the sex rings and those who spend their money on slaves “violate the chastity to which [their] Baptism pledged [them] and defile [the] body, the temple of the Holy Spirit” (CCC 2355). This is a transgression that changes the lives of everyone involved forever. Thankfully, the Church does not leave sinners behind to dwell in their shame. Victims of sex trafficking can find their value and love in Christ to heal from the trauma they’ve suffered. People who’ve participated in trafficking can find forgiveness and a better life in confession. God offers this redemption in the Church so that the world will strive to end this moral issue and celebrate human dignity for all.
On the other hand, many people argue that “sex work is no more moral or immoral than the chocolate or distilling industries" (Top 10 Pros and Cons). Prostitution is closely linked to sex trafficking with the only difference being one has the illusion of willing involvement. Some people think that if prostitution “work is compatible with the principle of gender equality and nondiscrimination”, then sex trafficking will end because there will be no demand for sex slaves (Neuwirth). However, no matter what laws are passed pimps will continue to abuse the system in order to make a bigger profit. Many men spend their money on this industry and the sex ring leaders get all the money. Therefore, people believe that in regulating the sex industry it will become safer and the pimps won’t be able to charge extreme amounts. Also, taxing this “service” could bring in a surplus income to the government. Others believe that it is someone’s right to be able to buy sex if they want pleasure regardless of the circumstances. They also argue that the sex slaves got themselves into the system and it is their fault. The United States government has done nothing in support of sex trafficking, but there have also been no clear action against it.
My view towards sex trafficking is the same as the Catholic Church. It is completely ridiculous that it continues to happen and the victims deserve more support. People who patronize this business possess bad morals and a distorted image of human respect and dignity. The Guardian categorizes these men best as “those who assume the women they buy have no human feelings; those who are conscious of a woman’s humanity but choose to ignore it; and those who derive sexual pleasure from reducing the humanity of women they buy” (Neuwirth). Fortunately, many compassionate people are forming organizations to end sex trafficking. For example, Anti-Slavery International helps all around the world in slavery, including sexual and labor slaves. Not For Sale: The Return of the Global Slave Trade-- and How We Can Fight It by David B. Bastone exposes the hard facts and personal stories regarding sex trafficking at a global level. We are the generation to end human trafficking by continuing to educate the public and choosing to respect human life for all people.