Mayor Adams Questions Mamdani’s Support of Legal Sex Work

The Mayor of New York City, Eric Adams, has raised questions about fellow Democrat and mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani’s support for decriminalizing sex work. Adams, a self-professed man of faith, expressed disbelief that Mamdani, who identifies as Muslim, could advocate for such a position.

According to the New York Post, Adams stated, “I don’t know where in his Quran it states that it’s OK for a woman to be on the streets selling their body. As a man who said he is of faith, I don’t quite understand what religion supports prostitution.” To understand the full context, it’s important to note that Mamdani’s faith, Islam, prohibits prostitution.

Mamdani has voiced his support for legal prostitution on multiple occasions since his 2020 state assembly run. However, he has remained silent on the issue during his current mayoral campaign, causing critics to worry he might suddenly push to decriminalize prostitution should he be elected as the city’s mayor in November.

Adams has criticized Mamdani for failing to comprehend the realities of sex work and the potential for increased crime rates. “We are trying to bring down crime, and he is talking about legalizing sex work,” Adams noted. Moreover, the evidence suggests that in regions where prostitution is legal, like Nevada and some European countries, human trafficking tends to increase.

There are concerns that New York City could become a sex tourism hub if Mamdani takes office. Adams, who is running for reelection as an independent, has voiced his opposition to this possibility. “Our city needs to be safe. It should not be a city where women are standing on corners…selling their bodies,” he stated.

Responding to these claims, a spokesperson for Mamdani criticized Adams’ budget cuts from Safe Horizon, a move they argue puts victims of sex trafficking and prostitution at risk. The statement added, “As Mayor, Zohran will prioritize genuine public safety for all,” and details a plan to invest $40M towards victim services.

Advocates for decriminalized sex work argue the move could make sex workers safer and less vulnerable to violence. This debate continues to highlight the complex issues surrounding the legality and safety of sex work.