Holding a moral standard is one thing; facing reality is, quite often, another.

The current debate on abortion is one such instance, as while the practise is illegal, it is extremely common. And, we suspect, no matter the result of the heated discussions currently taking place, abortions will continue to be done at the will of those who wish them done and those who perform them.

And, Saturday's PORTMORE STAR story about HIV/AIDS tests for prostitutes on Port Henderson's strip, more popularly known as 'Back Road', is another case in point.

So, in doing the tests, they will have to identify the prostitutes. These women are doing something illegal, yet they will be identified and given the first stage of health care by representatives of the state.

We do hope that Mayor Hinds and company realise that despite moral considerations on the matter, what they are is, in fact, a test of legalisation. Because to identify prostitutes and do nothing about their activities amounts to sanctioning their 'business'.

We note the mayor's stance, that "while I want Port Henderson Road to become a 'hip strip', I don't like certain activities currently happening around there". We trust that he is aware that the Montego Bay Hip Strip has quite a few prostitutes, maybe less conspicuous than their 'Back Road' counterparts, but very much present. And while the New Kingston Hip Strip is not a happy hunting ground for 'out- and-out' prostitutes', they are not far away.