This editorial, presumably written by George Q. Cannon for the Juvenile Instructor, asks whether sin and crime are gendered.

Is There any Sex in Vice?

One of the questions that have received recent attention in some of the public journals is, whether there is any sex in vice; that is, is a woman more guilty than a man for the same act?

Men claim rights which they deny to the other sex. A man may be guilty of offenses which are considered by many people quite trivial, but if committed by a woman they are a blot upon her character that never can be eradicated. This has been the effect of public opinion for ages. But a change seems to be taking place. In many instances, however, it does not seem to be for the better. Woman, in her efforts to be the equal of man, and to enjoy all the privileges which men enjoy, seems inclined to indulge in the same vices as men, and to defend herself for her indulgence by claiming that there is no sex in vice.

There is no doubt that this has been a man’s world; but the aim now of many of the weaker sex is to make it a man and woman’s world. Hence we read of the prevalence of cigarette smoking – a habit which is becoming quite common, it is said, even in fashionable circles, among the ladies. Probably one of the causes of this is to be found in the enlarged opportunities which women have at the present time for entering upon avocations which a few years ago were looked upon as the peculiar province of men; and being thrust thus into closer contact with men, they acquire men’s habits, and among them the bad habit of smoking. Up to within a recent period it has been considered discreditable for a lady to smoke; but now, it is said, there are public places where ladies are frequently seen smoking. Another thing in which they imitate the men is the formation of clubs and the enjoyment of club life.

It is to be regretted that the attempt on the part of woman to lift herself up to an equality with man should find expression in such forms as these. This same tendency is illustrated among the uncivilized races; when they are brought in contact with civilized men they copy their vices rather than their good traits.

Undoubtedly the average woman is purer than the average man. We presume that this would be readily confessed by men generally, especially in what is called the society world. In woman a purity of conduct and a chastity is expected that is not looked for in man. Instead of women sinking to the level of men, therefore, it should be their aim o raise men to at least their level. This should also be the aim of the men themselves. Instead of expecting woman to set the example, man, by virtue of his superior strength and assumed headship, should set her the example in all things. But even in our Territory, and among a people whose ideas upon these subjects are based upon the gospel, there is a disposition manifested to expect much more from the daughters of the community than the sons. It is a shameful thing to say, because we should be better taught, and the male sex should exhibit better fruits of the teaching they receive. Why should the boys of a family think they can indulge in boisterous and rude conduct and vulgar expressions which they would think very improper on the part of their sisters? Why should boys think they can drink liquor to intoxication or use tobacco when they would be shocked to see their sisters intoxicated or using tobacco? Are there any privileges given to men in these respects that women do not have? Is there any sex in vice?

There is no earthly reason that we know of why one sex should not be as strict and correct in its habits as he other. Men should be as pure in their thoughts, language and acts as women. Conduct that would be condemned in women ought to be condemned in men. Men should be as chaste as they expect women to be. A man who marries should bring to his wife the same clean mind and body as he expects her to bring to him. Boys should be taught these things and be impressed with their importance. They should set the example in these directions, because they claim to be the stronger. A type of manhood which is inferior to that of womanhood is base. Where such a type prevails the race will go downward.

Men have decreed in their own interest that they may do as they please, but that women shall do as they are told. Men have declared that there shall be a discrimination in the matter of vice, and that te discrimination shall be in their favor. if they are tempted and fall, the offense is trivial; but if woman yields to the same temptation, her sin cannot be forgiven.

it was a woman, charged with adultery, that was brought before the Savior by the self-righteous of that day. it might well be asked, where was the man? Was he not as great a sinner as she? But it was the woman that was to be condemned, and not the man. The sentiment of the Lord Jesus towards the woman we are told in the beautiful illustration which He has given us of His merciful kindness to the sinner; what He would have said to the man, who was equally guilty, we are not told, though we can readily imagine that His attitude toward him would have been much more serious in its consequences than toward the woman. Men have made laws which for their own protection can be easily stretched; but those laws when brought to bear upon the other sex are exceedingly binding. It is a most difficult thing for a woman to secure her rights against her betrayer. The sympathies of his sex are with him, and she is almost thought to be doing a shameful thing to prosecute him to obtain some slight atonement for her outraged honor. If a woman be betrayed, and, that she may hide the shame which she feels, she takes steps to destroy the fruit of her sin, the vengeance of the law is brought to bear upon her. But whoever hears of steps being taken to punish the guilty wretch who has been the cause of her ruin and brought upon her the madness which has instigated her crime? There will be a time come when all this will be changed; when men will be held to a stricter accountability than they have been for their dealings with the other sex. women will not always be discriminated against. If conduct of others be considered vicious, the same conduct in men will not be considered praiseworthy, but will be as severely condemned.

The Lord has given the Latter-day Saints considerable light upon these subjects, and they should profit by His instructions. It is time that men should realize that their sex cannot commit with impunity and without punishment that which they condemn in the other sex. It is a lesson that should be impressed upon the rising generation.