New York City Police Department and State Police have launched a 90-day crackdown on prostitution in the Corona and Jackson Heights areas of Queens, but they have overlooked the section of Flushing known as the “red light district.” On October 20, Republican candidate for the 40th District State Assembly, Philip Shaw Chuan Wang, and Republican mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa held a demonstration in front of the Flushing Library, marching around the central area of Flushing, demanding that authorities address the issue of prostitution in Flushing and abolish laws legalizing prostitution.
Sliwa addressed the bustling Chinese immigrant community on Main St., saying, “You came to America not to see prostitutes openly selling themselves on the streets, protected by pimps and landlords!” He pointed out the need for support for Wang and Republican candidate Kenneth Paek for the 25th District State Assembly, urging the NYPD to expand their crackdown on prostitution from Corona and Jackson Heights on Roosevelt Ave. to Flushing.
Challenging the incumbent State Assemblyman Ron Kim in the November 5 election, Republican candidate Philip Shaw Chuan Wang, a spine doctor practicing in Flushing for 24 years, emphasized the rampant prostitution in Flushing must change. He stressed that Flushing, known for its residential and commercial areas where people come to shop, dine, and spend their weekends, has now turned into a ‘red light district,’ which has had a negative impact. Wang stated, “Everyone can see that people from other ethnic backgrounds come to Flushing for prostitution. We cannot tolerate this any longer. It’s time to expose the truth!”
He further added, “Many people avoid walking on 40th Road where prostitutes linger on the street, making it uncomfortable for passersby, especially young men who feel ashamed. Even parents hesitate to take their children through that area.”
Wang declared, “We’ve had enough! If you’ve had enough too, please join us and let’s put an end to this chaos!”
Founder of the Guardian Angels and intending mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa commented on the recent crackdown on outdoor prostitution activities along Roosevelt Ave. under the 7 train line by the Governor and the NYPD. He questioned the effectiveness of the 90-day operation, stating that these women could easily move their activities to Flushing by taking a short subway ride from Corona. He condemned the longstanding prostitution issue on 40th Road, with some women acting as guides to lead customers to the illicit locations openly, causing harm to the community. Mothers and children are witness to this disgraceful situation.
Sliwa recalled his warning three years ago when he ran against Adams for the mayoral race but was largely ignored. He urged people this time not to turn a blind eye or deaf ear to the issue, stating, “I am running again, and this time don’t cover your eyes, don’t plug your ears, don’t zip your mouth shut. Help me become the Mayor of New York City and clean up this mess!”
Following the demonstration, participants held signs saying “Stop Prostitution” and marched through the central area of Flushing on Main St., 40th Road, Prince St., and Roosevelt Ave. Women standing on 40th Road initially did not understand the signs in English but quickly understood and tried to evade. Wang used a loudspeaker to urge them to leave the profession and seek a different path.