Belgium has become the first country in the world to grant sex workers the same employment rights as other workers. The new law gives sex workers access to maternity leave, pensions, health insurance, and sick leave. The historic legislation was introduced after sex work was decriminalized in Belgium in 2022.
It ensures that sex workers have the same protections as other professions. Erin Kilbride of Human Rights Watch called the law “radical” and said it was “the best step we’ve seen globally to protect sex workers.”
Victoria, president of the Belgian Union of Sex Workers (UTSOPI), explained the significance of the law. “When your job is illegal, there are no protocols to protect you,” she said.
Victoria faced unsafe conditions and was even raped by a client before the changes. Her complaint to police was dismissed, with an officer stating, “Sex workers can’t be raped.”
Some critics warn of unintended consequences.
Employment rights protections for sex workers
Julia Crumière of the NGO Isala argues that sex work inherently exploits women. “It’s not the oldest profession, but the oldest exploitation,” she said. The law also regulates employers, banning those with criminal records and requiring safety measures like alarm buttons in workspaces.
Kris Reekmans, who runs a legal massage parlor, supports these measures and hopes dishonest employers are shut down. For sex workers like Mel, the law represents hope. “I can now refuse clients or unsafe acts without fear,” she said.
“Bringing this work out of the shadows can only help women.”
While countries such as Germany, Greece, and the Netherlands have also decriminalized sex work, Belgium stands out by fully integrating labor laws for sex workers, treating it as any other profession. Belgium’s move is seen as a significant step toward recognizing and protecting the rights of sex workers, setting a precedent for other nations to follow. By ensuring labor rights and legal protections, Belgium is paving the way for a safer and more equitable work environment for sex workers.
