MANHATTAN — Mayor Michael Bloomberg is worried about suggestively-dressed women being trapped in the City Council’s sex-trafficking net.
The council passed new legislation this week intended to clamp down on sex trafficking by slapping cabbies who are convicted of knowingly transporting victims with sky-high fines.
The bill also forces cabbies to take a training course outlining how to spot and help victims of the crime.
But Bloomberg wondered Friday whether innocent women might unfairly be targeted — especially if they're dressed in a "sporty way."
“You know, if I were a young lady and I dressed in a ‘sporty way’ — or however you want to phrase it... I would not want somebody thinking that I’m a prostitute,” said Bloomberg, who also defended the style during his weekly radio show.
"There’s nothing wrong with that," he said. "Maybe it’s not appropriate to go to the workplace, but at night, sometimes sure, why not.”
Bloomberg nonetheless remained unclear about whether he intends to sign the legislation.
“I have no idea of whether we’re in favor,” he said. “Whether it’s enforceable and a good idea, I don’t know.”
The council's legislation came following revelations that some cabbies had actively participated in sex trafficking rings by transporting victims and sharing in traffickers’ profits with traffickers.
