Press release
Assemblyman Christopher S. Friend (R,C,I-Big Flats) is vehemently opposed to the Assembly Democrats’ actions taken today in the Committee on Codes to advance legislation which would decriminalize prostitution (A.3355). The supposed reasoning was to protect those engaged in sex work from “harassment” from law enforcement, however, the assemblyman points to troubling statistics showing that these individuals are more likely to be a victim of violence over their lifetime.
“By advancing this bill decriminalizing prostitution, Democrats are turning a blind eye to and perpetuating a disturbing problem of violence on our streets. Prostitution is dehumanizing and the state in no way should be condoning this,” said Friend. “Our law enforcement is an important part in helping get the vulnerable off the street and directed to help. Removing policing in this area puts everyone at risk, even the very people Democrats want to help.”
In 2014, the American Public Health Association published a review of 28 different studies and found that over a lifetime, 45 to 75 percent of those engaged in sex work have experienced violence. Friend asserts that law enforcement is important to curbing this violence among individuals and in communities. The bill would not help as Democrats intend.
