BREAKING: New York Mayor Eric Adams has launched a fierce attack on mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani over his proposal to decriminalize prostitution, claiming the position is not only misguided but also dangerous for the city. Speaking to reporters on October 15, 2023, Adams stated, “I can’t be more clear. I’m a man of God, just as Mamdani says he’s a Muslim. I don’t know where in his Quran it states that it’s okay for a woman to be on the streets selling their body.”
Adams’ comments come as Mamdani has faced scrutiny for his ongoing advocacy to change New York’s prostitution laws, a stance he has maintained since his campaign for state assembly in 2020. The mayor emphasized the grim realities of sex work and the severe implications of legalizing it, particularly in relation to sex trafficking. “You’re not doing any service to a woman who is on the street who is forced to sell her body for whatever reason,” Adams added.
The urgency of Adams’ remarks underscores the growing tension ahead of the mayoral election, as Mamdani, a 33-year-old Democratic candidate, has remained largely silent on the topic since launching his campaign. Critics worry that if he were to take office, he could swiftly push for legal prostitution, igniting significant backlash from those advocating for women’s safety and crime reduction.
Adams, who is running for reelection as an independent, insisted that permitting prostitution would compromise public safety. “Our city needs to be a safe city. It should not be a city where women are standing on corners, or boys are standing on corners, or young men standing on corners selling their bodies,” he stated firmly.
This latest confrontation between Adams and Mamdani highlights the stark divide in their visions for New York City, particularly regarding issues of morality, safety, and social justice. Mamdani’s ongoing push to alter the laws surrounding sex work raises critical questions about the implications for vulnerable populations and the city’s fight against crime.
As the election approaches, all eyes will be on Mamdani’s response to Adams’ criticisms and whether he will clarify his stance on prostitution. The implications of these discussions could significantly shape the future of New York City’s policies and community safety.
Stay tuned for further developments as this story unfolds.
