Commission of Religious Leaders Statement on Decriminalization or Legalization of Prostitution

The Commission of Religious Leaders of New York City (“CORL”), comprised of representatives of diverse faith traditions, strongly opposes any legislative attempt to fully decriminalize or legalize prostitution in the State of New York. Decriminalization will lead the way to legalized brothels and the purchase of individual’s bodies, primarily women’s bodies, without consequence. We further understand that these legal brothels could be owned by individuals who have spent their lives degrading women for profit, paving the way to an increase in sex trafficking and the horrors associated with it. Our moral compass moves us to protect, care for, and provide services to the vulnerable amongst us who would be affected by such a law.

Countries worldwide that have decriminalized or legalized prostitution acknowledge that such efforts have failed- to such a degree that violence and sex trafficking have increased, and the age of trafficked victims has decreased.

CORL is deeply saddened that such a proposal would even be considered by our State elected representatives and we reiterate our strong opposition to any such effort.

We urge that our serious concerns be taken into consideration by the elected officials of New York State, and that any proposal to fully decriminalize or legalize prostitution be thwarted.