The Wednesday announcement from the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office covers thousands of cases dating back to the 1970s, as well as about 900 open cases related to prostitution or unlicensed massage.
Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance announces an initiative in 2018 to New Yorkers who leave jail or prison reenter society. (NYC image via Courthouse News)
MANHATTAN (CN) — In a major step toward the decriminalization of sex work, the Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance told a judge Wednesday that his office will stop prosecuting arrests for prostitution and unlicensed massage.
“For years, rather than seeking criminal convictions, my office has reformed its practice to offer services to individuals arrested for prostitution,” Vance said at a virtual court hearing this morning before Judge Charlotte Davidson. “Now, we will decline to prosecute these arrests outright, providing services and supports solely on a voluntary basis.”