Majority of New York Residents Back the Legalization of Prostitution, According to a Recent Poll
In the heart of the ongoing debate surrounding decriminalizing sex work, a new poll has shed light on the opinions of New Yorkers. The survey, conducted for national advocacy organization Decriminalize Sex Work, reveals a divided city as the mayoral race heats up.
The poll, shared exclusively with City & State this week ahead of its release, found that Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani is leading the New York City mayoral race with 39% of support. Mamdani, a known progressive candidate and a supporter of a leftist platform, is advocating for the legalization of prostitution between consenting adults. However, the candidate's lead in the poll is several percentage points below other recent polls.
The survey, conducted between Sept. 4 and 5, involved 556 registered New York City voters. It found that 51% of respondents opposed the idea of legislation that would make it legal for adults to sell sexual services, but buying sexual services would still be illegal. Another 24% of respondents said they were not sure about the legalization of prostitution, while a mere 10% supported the measure to legalize selling sexual services while keeping buying illegal.
Melissa Broudo, legal director at Decriminalize Sex Work, stated that "New Yorkers are increasingly ready to move away from criminalization and toward a more compassionate and pragmatic approach." Broudo also argued that decriminalization not only protects sex workers from exploitation and abuse, but also allows law enforcement to focus on real threats to public safety.
However, not everyone shares this view. Sonia Ossorio, Executive Director of the National Organization of Women, criticized Mamdani in a recent op-ed published in the Daily News. Ossorio argued that decriminalization would fuel human trafficking and sex tourism while also compounding other social issues like drug sales, violence, and gang activity.
The poll also found that 44% of New Yorkers think prostitution between consenting adults should be legal, while 33% believe it should be a crime. Interestingly, the poll revealed that 25% of New Yorkers surveyed know someone who has purchased sex, and 18% know someone who has sold sex.
The survey was conducted specifically to take voters' pulse as rhetoric intensifies around the issue of decriminalizing sex work. As the mayoral race progresses, it remains to be seen how these opinions will influence the final outcome.
