Prejean has alleged that the controversy over the old photos are the direct result of people incensed at her public stand on the issue of homosexual marriage, and that she is being targeted unfairly in a smear campaign.  I couldn't find a copy of the contract that contestants sign on the official Miss California USA website.  Their basic application doesn't go into details, so it must only be those who are actually selected as contestants that sign the more extensive contract.  As such, I can't examine how detailed the stipulations are about what constitutes appropriate or inappropriate photos in the contract.  Ultimately, while there are probably grounds for a legal battle over definitions and terms, it's irrelevant for the moment.

Prejean is undoubtedly correct that this is a smear campaign by those angry at her comments who have dug up photos that probably would never otherwise have come to light.  However, the fact that the photos exist remains - and it doesn't ultimately matter whether they were dug up maliciously or innocently.  If Prejean violated the terms of her contract, either knowingly or unknowingly (she forgot she did that photo-shoot?  How many semi-nude photo shoots does one engage in before one begins to forget about them!?!?), then she shouldn't be stripped of her title - she should voluntarily relinquish it.  She can relinquish it at the same moment she files a lawsuit against the company for not properly defining what types of photos are inappropriate (How is semi-nude defined?  At what age do semi-nude photos become grounds for disqualification?  Does it matter if the photos are published or not, or only that they exist?  Is there a difference between 'personal' vs. 'professional' semi-nude photos?).  She can vindicate herself in a court of law for an undisclosed sum of money.  But clinging to your Christianity as a shield against apparent wrongdoing on your part is inappropriate, and not a good witness.

I'm sure that Miss Prejean has a very lucrative career ahead of her in Christian circles where she will be feted for her bold Christian witness.  Circles where her other decisions, such as wishing to pursue a career as a lingerie model, or deciding to have breast augmentation done, will never be questioned in terms of her faith.  Ultimately, Prejean is likely to have far more fame as a result of this whole thing than she ever would have as the first-runner up Miss America.  It isn't likely that Prejean is going to suffer financially or otherwise.  I'm sure she'll be upset to lose her title.  But being upset doesn't change the rules.  Choosing to abide by the rules, even when they're used against you maliciously, is what matters.  Especially for Christians.