Belgium has recently passed a law that ensures sex workers receive the same rights and protections as other workers. This legislation, approved on Sunday, guarantees sex workers benefits like maternity leave, pensions, and legal safeguards against exploitation. The decision came after widespread protests in 2022, where sex workers demanded state support due to being excluded from government assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Under the new law, sex workers have the right to refuse clients, reject specific acts, or halt an act at any time. Employers must adhere to strict standards, including maintaining hygienic premises, installing panic buttons, and providing clean linens and other essentials.
The Belgian Union of Sex Workers has praised the law as a significant step towards ending discrimination against their profession. International organizations like Human Rights Watch have also commended Belgium’s progressive approach and encouraged other countries to follow suit.
A researcher at Human Rights Watch, Erin Kilbride, described the law as groundbreaking and urged all countries to move in a similar direction. A sex worker in Belgium named Sophie expressed gratitude for the law, stating, “This is an opportunity for us to exist as people.”