Independent candidate and former governor Andrew Cuomo blasted Democratic Socialist leader Zohran Mamdani for supporting “decriminalization of prostitution” in New York City during a heated debate at the New York mayoral debate.
Cuomo accused Mamdani of trying to go beyond current standards by supporting full legalization.
According to a New York Post report, Cuomo pointed to Mamdani’s past support for state legislation to decriminalize sex work as evidence of his stance.
Speaking from 30 Rockefeller Center in a debate televised by WNBC, Cuomo said, “The worst thing that could happen is if the Assembly bill to legalize prostitution passes.
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What does Mamdani say about the “decriminalization” of prostitution in New York?
Mamdani called the allegations “ironic” and pushed back against Cuomo’s attacks, accusing the former governor of spreading falsehoods.
It should also be noted that the 67-year-old Cuomo was governor of New York state from 2011 until 2021, when he resigned amid sexual assault allegations, having previously served as a cabinet secretary under former President Bill Clinton.
While Mamdani expressed general support for the decriminalization of sex work, his campaign made it clear that he never advocated full legalization.
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The issue resurfaced after Cuomo, Mamdani’s main opponent in the mayoral race, said during a visit to the mosque that Mamdani supported the legalization of prostitution and even bet her $10.
“I have never supported the legalization of prostitution,” Mamdani responded at a separate news conference, calling Cuomo’s comments “ironic,” especially given that he made the bet in a mosque.
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Mamdani has not specifically said whether he still supports legislation that would remove criminal penalties for consenting adults engaged in prostitution, so there remains some ambiguity around the finer details of his position.
Prostitution is “illegal” in New York.
Although prostitution remains illegal in New York, local prosecutors often decline to prosecute such cases, prioritizing efforts against sex trafficking instead.
In recent years, especially under former Mayor Bill de Blasio, the New York Police Department has shifted away from prosecuting individual sex workers and instead focused on gang and organized crime activities related to the sex trade. From 2014 to 2022, prostitution-related arrests dropped significantly, according to an analysis of crime data, according to a New York Times report.
Since Mayor Eric Adams took office in 2022, the NYPD has stepped up its efforts to crack down on illegal brothels, particularly in Jackson Heights, Queens, a known center for prostitution.
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Arrests for prostitution-related offenses rose from 162 in 2022 to 439 in 2023, with 485 arrests recorded by mid-July this year, according to police figures.
President Donald Trump, who has threatened to arrest Mamdani, deport him and even take over the city if he wins, has been invoked early and often.
Mamdani, pressed on how they would deal with Trump, said he would stand up to the president while also being willing to work with him to reduce costs and affordability.
I have never supported the legalization of prostitution.
The worst thing that could happen is if the representative’s proposal to legalize prostitution passes.
The race for governor in the city of 8.5 million people was thrown into a twist again when incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, who has been dogged by corruption allegations, left the race without endorsing another candidate.
(With input from agencies)
