In brief
Belgium has implemented a landmark law designed to enhance protections for sex workers, offering them labor rights and social benefits unprecedented in the global context. This new legislation, which became effective on December 1, builds on the country's previous decriminalization of sex work in 2022, a notable first within Europe.
The law permits sex workers to enter formal employment contracts while ensuring they also retain the choice to operate independently. According to Erin Kilbride, a researcher with Human Rights Watch, this law constitutes “the most comprehensive labor law related to sex work that we have seen globally.”Under the new framework, sex workers gain access to Belgium's extensive social security system, which includes provisions for paid maternity leave, sick leave, unemployment benefits, and the capacity to contribute to a pension scheme. The law emphasizes ongoing consent for sex workers, allowing them to refuse clients, decline specific acts, or pause interactions without repercussions from employers.Moreover, the legislation includes vital workplace safety measures, such as installing emergency buttons in client rooms. It also aims to shield sex workers from unlawful termination and exploitation, prohibiting individuals with convictions for serious crimes, including rape and trafficking, from employing them. As highlighted by advocates, this move represents a significant stride in securing a safer and more equitable working environment for sex workers in Belgium.
