In 2008, then-San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris appeared on CNN with host Mike Galanos to discuss a proposal that would decriminalize prostitution in San Francisco. During the segment, Harris argued against the proposal, emphasizing the need to protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation. 

Harris was joined by a bisexual sex worker named "Starchild," who advocated for the legalization of prostitution. During the discussion, Starchild claimed that while seeking re-election, Harris said that she "wanted to be an honorary sex worker." Harris laughed at the claim but did not respond to it directly.

According to the Espler Project, a pro-sex work organization, these claims regarding Harris’ comments are accurate. While running for re-election for San Francisco District Attorney in 2007, Harris tried to gain the endorsement of the Harvey Milk Democratic Club and in a public meeting with them described herself as "an honorary sex worker," they said.

"We want to have a society that protects the vulnerable and does not allow people to be exploited," Harris said during the CNN segment with Starchild. "Decriminalizing prostitution is simply not going to achieve that."

Harris has also appears to have shifted her previously stated views against sex work. While running for president in 2019, Harris was asked in an interview with The Root if she was in favor of decriminalizing sex work. She responded saying, "I think so, I do. I think that we have to understand though that it is not as simple as that. ... But when you’re talking about consenting adults, I think that yes we should really consider that we can’t criminalize consensual behavior as long as no one is being harmed."

"Kamala Harris will say anything popular to get an endorsement or get elected,” said Claire Alwyne of ESPLERP. “She is good with empty words about protecting women, but her actions have consistently harmed sex workers – mostly poor women, women of color, and trans women."