Belgium has made history by becoming the first nation globally to provide sex workers with the same employment rights as individuals in other professions. The newly enacted law grants sex workers access to benefits such as maternity leave, pensions, health insurance, and sick leave. This groundbreaking legislation followed the decriminalization of sex work in Belgium in 2022.
This development ensures that sex workers are afforded the same protections as those in other fields. Erin Kilbride from Human Rights Watch described the legislation as “radical,” stating that it represents “the most significant global advancement we’ve seen in terms of safeguarding sex workers.”
Victoria, who leads the Belgian Union of Sex Workers (UTSOPI), highlighted the importance of this law, noting, “Without legal protection, there are no safeguards in place for your safety.”
Before these reforms, Victoria encountered dangerous situations, including being raped by a client. Her report to the authorities was overlooked, with one officer asserting, “Sex workers cannot be raped.”
There are critics who caution against potential unforeseen outcomes.
Protections for Employment Rights of Sex Workers
Julia Crumière from the NGO Isala contends that sex work is fundamentally exploitative toward women. “It’s not the oldest profession but rather the oldest form of exploitation,” she remarked. The legislation also places regulations on employers, prohibiting those with criminal histories and mandating safety features such as alarm systems in workplaces.
Kris Reekmans, who operates a legal massage establishment, is in favor of these regulations and hopes that dishonest employers will be eliminated. For sex workers like Mel, the new law symbolizes hope. “I can now decline clients or unsafe practices without fear,” she stated.
“Bringing this type of work into the open will only benefit women.”
While nations like Germany, Greece, and the Netherlands have also decriminalized sex work, Belgium distinguishes itself by fully incorporating labor laws for sex workers, acknowledging it as any other profession. Belgium’s initiative is considered a crucial advancement in acknowledging and safeguarding the rights of sex workers, setting a benchmark for other countries to emulate. By ensuring labor rights and legal safeguards, Belgium is forging a path toward a safer and fairer work environment for individuals engaged in sex work.
