I've heard some religious fundies come right out

and say, that they feel it is more humane/merciful for The Rio Death Squads to gun down "street children" there, rather than to see those children become involved in prostitution.
I think "to see" is really the key words here, since, to be honest, it really is ALL about what offends the eyes of people who hold those opinions, rather than what actually harms a child.
In other words it's like they are saying: "Kill that child, for it offends me to see it taking part in an act I so despise!" But it's not just religious fundies who feel this way. It is also the majority of secularists as well. It's like the whole of humanity has this growing viral infection that attacks their sense of reason and logic. I'm reminded of a movie right now--where zombie-like humans are said to have "the crazies".
You got the crazies?!?!?
You got the crazies?!?!?
But Earthlings do now have the crazies, and who the hell knows how long it wil take to get rid of it?

It's amazing the things that humans can bring themselves to do, or believe, in the name of things like religion or righteousness or just plain old fashioned "good" morals.