Sex Workers Get New Rights To Maternity Leave, Pensions, Others

Belgium has become the first country in the world to grant sex workers employment rights, including sick leave, maternity pay, and pensions.

This groundbreaking law aims to provide sex workers with the same rights as other employees and address issues of abuse and exploitation within the industry.

Approved by lawmakers in May, the law officially took effect on Sunday. It mandates employment contracts and legal protections for sex workers, filling a gap that emerged after the decriminalization of sex work in 2022, which had left workers without labor rights like health insurance or unemployment benefits.

The legislation empowers sex workers to refuse clients or specific acts and stop activities at any point without fear of dismissal. Employers are also held to strict standards, needing to demonstrate good character, operate within Belgium, and maintain safe and hygienic workplaces equipped with panic buttons, showers, clean linen, and condoms.

However, the law excludes those working from home or involved in activities like striptease or pornography.

The Belgian Union of Sex Workers hailed the move as a significant step forward, stating that it ends legal discrimination. Still, they raised concerns about how local governments might use the law to impose overly strict regulations under the guise of safety and hygiene, potentially making it difficult for sex workers to operate in certain areas.

Not everyone supports the new law giving the sex workers rights as every other employee. Some feminist groups have expressed strong opposition, arguing it could have adverse effects. The Council of Francophone Women of Belgium described the law as potentially “catastrophic” for vulnerable individuals, particularly young girls and victims of trafficking. They argue that recognizing sex work as legitimate employment normalizes exploitation and fails to combat the broader issue of sexist violence.

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