Belgium has become the first country in the world to grant sex workers the same rights as other employees, including maternity leave and pension benefits.
This groundbreaking legislation marks a step forward in recognizing the rights and dignity of sex workers.
The new law ensures that sex workers are treated as employees, providing them with essential benefits such as maternity leave, pension contributions, and robust legal safeguards against exploitation.
This historic change is a direct response to the protests in 2022, which highlighted the lack of state support for sex workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sophie, a sex worker in Belgium, expressed her optimism about the new law, stating, "This is an opportunity for us to exist as people."
The Belgian Union of Sex Workers also praised the legislation, calling it "a huge step forward, ending legal discrimination against sex workers."
Key features of the law include the right for sex workers to refuse clients or specific acts and the ability to stop an act at any time.
Employers are required to meet stringent standards, such as maintaining a business address in Belgium, upholding good character, and ensuring safe working conditions with panic buttons, clean linen, showers, and condoms.
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