Belgium has taken a resolute step towards supporting sex workers with the enactment of a groundbreaking law that enhances labor protections and social benefits in the European nation. Set in motion following the decriminalization of sex work in 2022, this new legislation, effective since December 1, aims to shield workers from exploitation and violence, offering provisions that surpass similar regulations worldwide.
Experts and advocates highlight that this law represents the most extensive labor rights framework for sex workers globally. “It is the most comprehensive labor law related to sex work that we have seen,” stated Erin Kilbride, a researcher at Human Rights Watch concentrating on women's and L.G.B.T.Q. rights.
Under the new law, sex workers may opt to sign formal employment contracts—if they choose to do so—which will grant them access to Belgium's comprehensive social security system. They benefit from entitlements such as paid maternity and sick leave, unemployment benefits, and the facility to make pension contributions.
Additionally, the legislation promotes the importance of consent in sex work, requiring specific ongoing consent. This ensures that workers can refuse clients or specific services and can halt any service without facing reprisals from their employers. Regulations to improve workplace safety have also been implemented, including the installation of emergency buttons in client meeting rooms.
The law goes further to prohibit individuals convicted of violent crimes—including rape and human trafficking—from employing sex workers, establishing a robust legal framework aimed at safeguarding those in the profession. This initiative is heralded as a pivotal advancement in labor rights, fostering a safer and more equitable environment for those engaged in sex work in Belgium.
