[Question:]{.underline} What is the logic behind banning prostitution?
[Answer:]{.underline} The banning of prostitution is clearly stated in the Old Testament: “There shall be no whore among the daughters of Israel, nor whoremonger among the sons of Israel” (Dt 23:17). This is confirmed in the New Testament by the constant condemnation of fornication (e.g. I Cor 6:9), not only in fact but even in desire, as taught by Our Lord: “But I say to you, that whosoever shall look on a woman to lust after her, hath already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Mt 5:28).
Any country that would willingly allow such a crime to be committed by its citizens would be accepting such evil behaviour and giving its seal of approval to it. Hence all prostitution should be banned, as would certainly be the case in an ideal commonwealth. However, it is true that most countries have always permitted some degree of prostitution under limited control, as the lesser of two evils. If the evil of prostitution cannot be entirely stamped out, at least it can be controlled and limited if it is legalized.
Answered by Father Peter Scott, SSPX.