CraigslistThere aren't many things that involve the word "censor" that I would ever support, but I was thrilled to see this morning that Craigslist has censored its Adult Service section.

I'm for freedom of speech no matter how much I don't like what's being said, freedom of religion, even when it's frightening, and freedom of expression, even in the form of prostitution -- legalize it for all I care, as long as it's between consenting ADULTS.

But the part of the Craigslist Adult Services section that I have no tolerance for is that it's used to traffic women and children, and the part in which 11-year-olds are allowed to sell their bodies. There should be no freedom for that anywhere, and if people now have to go find another way to get a prostitute or a "massage", well then, that's a small price to pay to stop such behavior.

It's not clear right now if they're going to be completely removed or just censored (the word "censored" is black and nothing happens when you try to click on it right now), but any improvement will be welcome. Unfortunately, CNN reports that the ads are still available outside of the United States, which is where a large part of the problem lies.

But at least this move today is a positive one, and comes as a result of work by attorneys generals from 17 states who urged Craigslist to discontinue the ads.

"The increasingly sharp public criticism of Craigslist's Adult Services section reflects a growing recognition that ads for prostitution -- including ads trafficking children -- are rampant on it," the attorneys general said in a Tuesday letter to Craigslist.

So good for Craigslist for listening and taking this step. Let's hope it's the first of many taken to stop such unthinkable behavior.

Are you glad to see the Craigslist Adult Services section censored?


Image via Craigslist.com