• Chris Noth, star of “Sex and the City” and “Law and Order” is accused of sexual assault by two women, in incidents that occurred about a decade ago. One of the accusations amounts to rape. Neither has been proved in court. As a result, Noth was fired from the reprise of “Sex and the City” and other shows, and fired by his agent. Whether he will be criminally charged remains to be seen. But his chances of working again in show business are nil.

• Alec Baldwin, star of many motion pictures, shoots and kills female cinematographer and injures director on set of “Rust.” He admits pointing revolver at victim, pulling back hammer, and then releasing it. As a result, his upcoming projects were canceled. Whether he will be criminally charged remains to be seen. But his chances of working again in show business are nil.

As things stand today, the punishment for Noth will be identical to the punishment for Baldwin. Sexual assault is sinful, criminal, and disgusting. But is it the equivalent to using a deadly weapon to kill one person and injure another? What can we say about a legal system, and a civilization, that treats these two vastly different acts identically? I have nothing pleasant to say.