Eric Adams Rejects Mamdani’s Call for Prostitution Reform

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, facing a tough re-election battle, has doubled down on his opposition to legalizing prostitution, framing his stance around both his policing background and his Christian faith.

In a recent interview, Adams dismissed arguments for decriminalization, a policy supported by his mayoral challenger, Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani. “No one should be on our streets selling their bodies, no one,” Adams said.

“I know what sex trafficking looks like. I know the abuse women go through, the assaults they face. Those who can justify it—it’s wrong.”

Adams also injected faith into the debate, questioning Mamdani’s religious convictions as a Muslim who supports legal reforms for sex work. “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 OK for a woman to be on the streets selling her body. It’s not in my Bible. I don’t understand what religion supports prostitution,” Adams said, according to the New York Post.

Under Islamic law, prostitution is prohibited, but Mamdani has repeatedly advocated decriminalization since winning a state assembly seat in 2020. While he has been less vocal on the issue since launching his mayoral bid, Adams and other critics argue that Mamdani could aggressively push the policy if elected.

Opponents of sex work legalization often cite safety concerns. Data from Mercator highlights the dangers: sex workers face a homicide rate of 229 per 100,000—far higher than liquor store employees, taxi drivers, or even U.S. soldiers. Many also endure long-term harm, including traumatic brain injuries, elevated rates of PTSD, and high suicide risks.

Mamdani’s campaign, however, accused Adams of deflecting from his own record. A spokesperson noted that Adams’ recent budget cuts reduced funding for Safe Horizon, a nonprofit supporting trafficking and prostitution victims.

“Mayor Adams’ reckless budget cut over $3 million from Safe Horizon, putting thousands of victims at risk,” the campaign said. “As mayor, Zohran will invest $40 million into victim services through his Department of Community Safety. His vision for public safety is about protection for all.”

The clash over sex work policy adds another layer of tension to a high-stakes mayoral race that is increasingly shaped by questions of morality, religion, and public safety in America’s largest city.