State Lawmakers Looking To Decriminalize Prostitution as Migrant-Fueled ‘Red Light Districts’ Proliferate Across New York City   

Critics are concerned that decriminalizing sex work will encourage the industry to grow quicker than can be regulated by the legislature.

Spencer Platt/Getty Images
A sex shop on Eighth Avenue at New York City. Spencer Platt/Getty Images
M.J. KOCH
M.J. KOCH

Albany Democrats are eyeing a bill to decriminalize prostitution, as sex trafficking and open-air prostitution markets are on the rise throughout New York City since the influx of migrants desperate for work began three years ago. 

The state legislation would “repeal statutes that criminalize sex work between consenting adults, but keep laws relating to minors or trafficking,” and also “provide for criminal record relief for people convicted of crimes repealed under this bill,” according to its text

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