Once again, our wonderful UFI staff is bringing to your attention some very important information. If you haven’t taken the time to look at UFI’s quizzes, you really should this week. This week’s quiz on the “hook-up culture” is particularly hard hitting.
Rebecca Heiner discusses yet another blight on society (prostitution) and the efforts being made by so-called cultural elites to make us all think that normalizing harmful sexual behaviors is progressive. But don’t believe the “cool kids!”
Toward sexual integrity,
Wendy Wixom, President
United Families International
Hollywood Once Again Misses the Mark: Normalizing Prostitution
By Rebecca Heiner
Hollywood award shows are notorious for making news headlines, and not always for the best reasons. The Oscars have had their fair share of news-worthy moments over the years. In 1974, a gay rights activist managed to strip naked and run across the stage while someone was presenting an award. In 2017, there was a mix up with the envelopes and the wrong winner was announced before they realized what they had done. And in 2022, comedian Chris Rock made a joke that resulted in Will Smith storming the stage and smacking Chris across the face. I suppose we shouldn’t be surprised to see drama unfold during an event full of people who do drama and acting.
But something else award shows have become known for is the political issues that often come up during acceptance speeches. Alongside declarations of love and thanks to parents, mentors, and filmmakers, award winners often treat the opportunity as an open mic moment for expressing their political agendas and beliefs. This year, such a moment came when actress of the year winner, Mikey Maddison (who starred in this years Best Picture winner, Anora) stood at the mic in her satin gown and honored “the incredible people of the sex worker community,” while pledging her allyship and loyalty to them. (Read her full speech here).
Anora is the story of a stripper/prostitute (played by Maddison) who finds true love in a Russian playboy who purchases her “services,” falls in love, and impulsively marries her. Described in Elle magazine as a “Modern Day Cinderella Story for our Times,” Anora (which contains content that would be considered soft porn) is said to be a clever and contemporary fairytale story. This seems like a bit of a stretch since the fairytale Cinderella most people are familiar with sings cheerful songs with mice and birds, not sells her body for money on the streets. But comparing a story about a glorified sex worker to a princess in a fairytale is all too indicative of some of the misguided ideologies that exist in society today.
But the issue here is much deeper than award shows and fairytales. The real issue is that the normalization of sex work will negatively impact individuals, families, and societies.
Perhaps it would help to examine a previous political issue as an example. The parallels between the process that lead to the legalization of cannabis and the current push to legalize sex work are interesting, to say the least.
A Comparison
Prostitution is currently illegal in all U.S states, except for parts of Nevada. Those who advocate for the legalization of sex work are focused on erasing the stigma and shame that accompany it. They want sex work to be seen as a profession or career choice, rather
than a crime. According to the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union), criminalization puts sex workers at risk for violent crime, prevents them from receiving health care, overloads the criminal justice system, contributes to sex trafficking, inhibits individual freedom, and hurts vulnerable groups.
These arguments are highly reminiscent of an earlier political endeavor – the legalization of cannabis for medicinal and, then later, recreational purposes. Ironically, advocates had many of the same arguments. They believed it would free up the justice system and allow law enforcement to focus on “real” crime. It would decrease violence, as well as alcohol and tobacco use. It would allow people the freedom to make choices for their own bodies, have better health, and free up public resources. In 2012, Colorado and Washington were the first states to legalize cannabis for recreational use. Currently, according to Pew Research, marijuana is approved for medical use in 38 states, and recreational use in 24.
A Different Perspective
While some claim the decriminalization of cannabis has had positive repercussions, numerous studies show it has failed to do what advocates hoped it would, and in turn created new problems. In May of 2024, roughly twelve years after legalization, Time Magazine published an article entitled “The Health Hazards of Legalizing Marijjuna.” It highlights some important information that we now have about daily and long term cannabis use. For example, The American Heart Association has now determined that using cannabis significantly increases risk of a heart attack or stroke, claiming “Daily use of cannabis was associated with a 25% increased likelihood of heart attack and a 42% increased likelihood of stroke when compared to non-use of the drug.” In addition, the NIH issued a warning that recreational users were at greater risk for psychotic disorders. This was especially true for young users.
Normalization of a substance like cannabis – or a behavior, as in the case of prostitution – leads to a decrease in stigma and eventually a movement towards decriminalization and/or legalization. It must be pointed out that decriminalization/legalization of prostitution increases “demand” for prostitutes. With increased “demand” comes the need for a greater “supply.” Women aren’t lining up to be prostitutes (even if you can convince everyone to call them “sex workers).” Shortfalls in “supply” are usually met and/or filled through increased sex trafficking. Since 80% of prostitutes are women, this specifically affects our daughters.
What we can do to protect our families and communities
During the 2025 UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), the efforts to normalize and push for legalization of “sex work” (prostitution) seemed particularly intense. Numerous CSW parallel events were held to convince the global community and its leaders that legalization of “sex work” would make all of prostitution’s ills go away. Fortunately, United Families International, in an effort to increase awareness of the harms of prostitution and trafficking, prepared in advance, an easy-to-read publication explaining myths surrounding prostitution and trafficking, why legalization of “sex work” (prostitution) does not solve the problem, and provides guidance on ways to protect your family. It’s worth the time to familiarize yourself! (You can read the publication here.)
In a recent two part article published by UFI, author Alexis Goodman shares some important information on the dangers of sexualizing young girls. If they grow up believing their worth is somehow dependent on their sexuality, they are more inclined to see themselves as objects. Even worse, they may adopt the ideal that exploiting themselves sexually is an effective way of getting the attention and approval of others. Girls growing up in a sex-obsessed society are desensitized and groomed little by little. In an environment that pushes the mantra “my body, my choice,” they often come to believe their body, and their sexuality, can and should be used as a tool.
Conclusion
Society doesn’t need legalized “sex work;” the “world’s oldest profession” does not need assistance to proliferate. Encouraging and normalizing behaviors that harm individuals only accelerates and increases those behaviors. It’s critical that society take a long, hard look at the ravages brought upon the world by the so-called “sexual revolution.”
Society also needs to change the narrative on what constitutes healthy sexuality. Sexual intimacy needs to be returned to marriage – and not take place before. It needs men who understand their masculine role, their duties and obligations within the sexual arena, and see themselves as protectors rather than just consumers of sex. It needs women and girls who are confident in their value and worth independent of their sexuality.
Lastly, we all need to educate ourselves on the harmful effects of normalizing sexual behaviors outside of marriage; increase our awareness of prostitution and trafficking, and stand up to efforts to decriminalize/legalize prostitution. If we want to protect our families, it’s not the time to look the other way or pretend it doesn’t impact us. Unfortunately, it already does.
Oh… and don’t ever take your cues from Hollywood.
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Rebecca is a graduate of BYU-Idaho, earning a Bachelor of Science in Marriage and Family Studies. She enjoys freelance writing, especially about topics surrounding families. She and her husband live in Riverton, Utah, and for the past 25 years have been raising and loving their three daughters. She enjoys reading, writing, and relaxing in the backyard on warm summer nights. Rebecca is passionate about the importance of families in society, and hopes to continue advocating for strong and healthy family relationships.