Belgium has enacted groundbreaking legislation granting sex workers the same rights and protections as other workers, a move widely praised by rights groups and advocates.
Signed into law on Sunday, the legislation guarantees sex workers access to maternity leave, pensions, and legal safeguards against exploitation.
This milestone follows widespread protests in 2022, where sex workers demanded state support after being excluded from COVID-19 government assistance programs.
Under the new law, sex workers have the right to refuse clients, decline specific acts, or halt any act at any point. Employers must also adhere to strict regulations, such as maintaining hygienic premises, providing panic buttons, and ensuring access to clean linens and other essentials.
The Belgian Union of Sex Workers hailed the law as a “huge step forward” in combating discrimination. In a statement, the union emphasised, “This is a huge step forward, ending legal discrimination against sex workers.”
International organizations, including Human Rights Watch, applauded Belgium’s progressive stance. Erin Kilbride, a researcher with the group, described the legislation as “radical” and urged global adoption. “This is the best step we have seen anywhere in the world so far. We need every country to be moving in that direction,” Kilbride said.
Sophie, a sex worker in Belgium, shared her perspective with the BBC, stating, “This is an opportunity for us to exist as people.”
This landmark law not only enhances the rights of sex workers in Belgium but also sets a precedent for other nations to consider similar reforms.
