In a groundbreaking move, Belgium has become the first country to grant maternity leave and pension benefits to sex workers, recognising their rights and welfare in the formal economy.
Belgium’s new law grants sex workers the same rights and protections as other workers.
The government signed the legislation into law on Sunday, ensuring that sex workers are entitled to maternity leave, pensions, and legal safeguards against exploitation.
Why Belgium made the Decision
Widespread protests in 2022 led to this decision.
Sex workers demanded state support after the government excluded them from assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In response, the new law grants sex workers in Belgium the right to refuse clients, decline specific acts, or stop an act at any point.
Additionally, the law requires employers to meet stringent standards.
These include maintaining hygienic premises, installing panic buttons, and ensuring the availability of clean linens and other necessities.
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The Belgian Union of Sex Workers has praised the legislation, calling it a major step toward ending discrimination against their profession.
Sex Workers Union Statement
The union said the law is “a huge step forward, ending legal discrimination against sex workers”.
International organisations, such as Human Rights Watch, have commended Belgium’s progressive stance, urging other nations to adopt similar measures.
Erin Kilbride, a researcher at Human Rights Watch, said the law should be emulated by every country in the world.
“This is radical, and it’s the best step we have seen anywhere in the world so far. We need every country to be moving in that direction,” he said.
“This is an opportunity for us to exist as people,” said Sophie, a sex worker in Belgium, told BBC.