proposed law From the Colorado State Legislature.
This bill aims to decriminalize commercial sex acts between consenting adults across the state. It would remove the criminal offenses related to prostitution, including solicitation and maintaining a place for prostitution.
If the bill is passed, Colorado would stand alongside Nevada as the only states to fully legalize and regulate commercial sex acts.
So, how did things get to this point? According to some, it boils down to two main factors. Aaron Wren highlights demographic shifts and a form of governance drawing from California.
“Migration from California has transformed Colorado from a reddish hue to a deep blue, almost resembling California itself,” he notes.
But, it seems that “start” might not be the most accurate term. Colorado was already among the more progressive states long before this bill. In reality, the influence here stems more from libertarian ideas than from outsiders. Interestingly, the number of registered Republicans and independents is higher than registered Democrats in the state. The narrative in Colorado is about how many voters embrace the concept of personal freedom, often through growing government involvement. This bill is just the latest manifestation of a worldview that’s been developing for years. After legalizing cannabis, assisted suicide, and even magic mushrooms, we’re now faced with an argument that equates exploitation with sexual freedom.
This also highlights another dimension of Colorado’s social experiment—a cultural shift facilitated by language. The proposed law is titled “Decriminalization of Commercial Sexual Conduct Between Consenting Adults,” which effectively normalizes practices that many would consider risky or harmful. This is reminiscent of how other terms, like “gender-affirming care,” aim to destigmatize actions often viewed negatively.
Policies reflect underlying principles, and this one seems to glorify something many consider dangerous. Colorado has a track record of such actions. Back in 2022, progressives celebrated the passing of a law allowing abortion up to the moment of birth. In the following year, Congress voted against a measure that would have classified child molestation as a more serious offense, showing a trend.
The proposed law argues that “sex workers, like those in other professions, deserve the ability to screen clients for safety.” It reduces voluntary prostitution to just a “transaction.” But, is it truly that simple?
Prostitution often brings about significant spiritual, physical, and emotional harm. It contradicts principles aimed at fostering healthy individuals and communities. While it can lead to new life, it often views that life as disposable, promising freedom but, in reality, leading to exploitation.
Children are particularly vulnerable. Research from Harvard indicates that areas where prostitution is legalized see an increase in child sex trafficking. Furthermore, a national center studying sexual exploitation has documented how legalized or unregulated prostitution negatively impacts children. Many individuals exposed to such environments face a greater risk of entering into prostitution themselves. Author Janice G. Raymond has discussed how this continues to affect future generations.
For those who identify as Christian, there’s a call to action: to ask how we can help heal what’s broken around us. Libertarian views on freedom don’t seem to address the complexities of sexual exploitation, nor do they offer real solutions for those who suffer from it.
The biblical perspective is about sacred sexuality, a concept woven into the broader narrative of creation and restoration. Dr. Christopher Yuan emphasizes two pathways to achieving this: chastity in celibacy and fidelity in marriage, encouraging a deeper understanding of purity and commitment.
For those interested in exploring issues surrounding sacred sexuality, Dr. Yuan’s work might be worthwhile. The situation in Colorado is an invitation for Christians to engage, speak out, and remember that without re-examining the concept of freedom as presented by libertarian ideals, the negative consequences in communities will likely persist.
