Candidates running to be the next Queens District Attorney fielded questions at a public forum on Tuesday night. One of the questions posed by community members was about the decriminalization of sex work, a topic that a new coalition known as Decrim NY has been advocating for in recent weeks. 

Reporter Emma Whitford told WNYC's Jami Floyd that the respondents took generally progressive stances on the issue, which is also being considered in Albany. 

"The backdrop is that everyone in this race is sort of trying to run as a progressive. So no one said that they flat-out opposed some aspect of decriminalization," said Whitford.

Contenders are vying to replace longtime District Attorney Richard Brown, who announced his retirement earlier this year. 

The new reform effort by advocates and some lawmakers would decriminalize the buying, selling, and promotion of sex, as well as stop the prosecution of prostitution-related loitering. 

Opponents of this approach, some of whom rallied at City Hall on Monday, say that workers themselves should not be subject to prosecution, but that soliciting and promoting sex should remain illegal.

Listen to the full interview with Emma Whitford by clicking on the 'Play' button above.