New York City Mayor Eric Adams is coming out swinging against his mayoral opponent, Zohran Mamdani, over Mamdani’s controversial and long-standing push to decriminalize prostitution. Adams, a Democrat-turned-independent seeking reelection, didn’t hold back in questioning how Mamdani—a self-described devout Muslim—can reconcile his faith with advocating for legalized sex work.

“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 told reporters over the weekend. “I don’t know what Quran he is reading. It’s not in my Bible.”

The mayor’s words strike at the heart of a brewing controversy surrounding Mamdani’s political record. As a state assemblyman representing Queens, Mamdani has repeatedly supported legislation to decriminalize prostitution, raising concerns among conservatives and public safety advocates alike. While he has largely stayed quiet on the topic during his current campaign for mayor, Adams and others fear he could reignite efforts to legalize the sex trade if he wins office.

Islamic teachings, like those of Christianity and Judaism, are clear on the matter: prostitution is strictly forbidden. Adams noted the disconnect between Mamdani’s professed religious values and his policy positions, saying, “As a man who said he is of faith, I don’t quite understand what religion supports prostitution.”

Beyond the moral and religious questions, Adams made a point to address the real-world consequences of legalizing prostitution, pointing to the deeply entangled issue of human trafficking and organized crime. “I think he’s lost on the fact that sex trafficking is very much part of prostitution,” Adams said. “We are trying to bring down crime and he is talking about legalizing sex work.”

He continued: “You’re not doing any service to a woman who is on the street who is forced to sell her body for whatever reason. No one should be on our streets selling their bodies. No one.”

While some advocates for decriminalization claim it would make sex workers less vulnerable to abuse from pimps, clients, and law enforcement, real-world examples cast doubt on that narrative. In places where sex work has been legalized—such as parts of Nevada and certain European countries—studies have shown an increase in human trafficking to meet demand. With legalization often comes an influx of organized crime, drug abuse, and violence—problems that New York is already struggling to contain.

Mamdani, a 33-year-old member of the Democratic Socialists of America, has co-sponsored multiple bills aiming to legalize prostitution statewide. Although as mayor he wouldn’t have unilateral authority to change state law, he would wield significant influence over how the NYPD enforces prostitution-related offenses—and could deprioritize enforcement entirely.

Critics warn this could turn New York City into the next Amsterdam, with the potential for a Red Light District right in the heart of Manhattan. Some have even raised concerns about the city becoming a destination for sex tourism.

“If that is his belief, it is a danger for our city,” Adams warned. “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.”

In response to Adams’ criticism, Mamdani’s campaign declined to directly confirm whether the candidate still supports decriminalization. Instead, a spokesperson deflected by criticizing Adams’ record on funding for victim services, accusing the mayor of slashing over $3 million from Safe Horizon—an organization that helps victims of sex trafficking and prostitution.

“Mayor Adams’ reckless budget cut over $3 million in funding from Safe Horizon, putting thousands of victims of crimes related to sex trafficking and prostitution in harm’s way,” said a Mamdani spokesperson in a statement to The New York Post. “As Mayor, Zohran will prioritize genuine public safety for all, including investing $40 million through his Department of Community Safety towards victims services.”

But critics aren’t buying it. Adams’ supporters argue that investing in services is meaningless if the broader system incentivizes exploitation. Legalizing sex work, they say, would only serve to embolden traffickers and criminal networks while putting women and vulnerable communities at greater risk.

In a city already battling rising crime, drug overdoses, and homelessness, Mayor Adams is making it clear: he believes New York doesn’t need more permissiveness—it needs more protection.