Belgium Grants Sex Workers Maternity Leave, Pensions in Landmark Law

Belgium has passed a groundbreaking law recognizing sex workers' rights, including access to maternity leave and pension benefits, in a bid to improve their working conditions and social protection.

Belgium has made history by passing a landmark law that grants sex workers the same rights as other employees, including maternity pay, pensions, and employment protections. This means sex workers will now be treated as employees, entitled to benefits like maternity leave, pension contributions, and legal safeguards against exploitation.

The new law is a direct result of months of protests in 2022, sparked by the lack of state support for sex workers during the Covid-19 pandemic. Sex workers and advocates argue that this law will make them safer and more in control. For instance, Sophie, a sex worker in Belgium, shared that she had to work while nine months pregnant because she couldn't afford to stop.

The law also guarantees sex workers the right to refuse sexual partners, specific acts, or to stop an act at any time. This is a significant step towards recognizing sex workers' rights and providing them with greater legal recognition and workplace protections. While some critics argue that the law normalizes an industry that faces issues like trafficking and exploitation, advocates see it as a crucial move towards protecting sex workers' rights.

Employers of sex workers in Belgium will now be required to adhere to strict standards, ensuring a safer working environment for sex workers. These standards include having a registered business address in Belgium, demonstrating good character, and maintaining premises equipped with essential safety features such as panic buttons, clean linen, showers, and condoms.

The Belgian Union of Sex Workers has welcomed the new law, hailing it as a significant milestone in the fight against legal discrimination. According to the union, this legislation marks a major breakthrough, finally recognizing the rights and dignity of sex workers in Belgium. By ending legal discrimination, the law aims to promote a safer, more supportive environment for sex workers.