Belgium becomes first country to give sex workers benefits, protections
Belgium, in a world first, has passed a law allowing sex workers to sign formal employment contracts to give them access to sick leaves, maternity pay, and pension.
The new law, which was first passed in May, officially took effect on Dec. 1. It's part of the country's efforts to crack down on abuse and exploitation. This comes two years after sex work was decriminalized in Belgium.
Under the regulations, sex workers are also granted fundamental rights like refusing clients, setting conditions, and stopping an act at any moment.
Additionally, they will have access to health insurance, unemployment support, and legal protections.
Employers must now obtain authorization, follow strict safety protocols, be of "good character," and be equipped with emergency buttons, showers, hygiene products condoms, and clean linen. Firing an employee for refusing a client or a specific act is also prohibited.
The protection only covers sex workers who signed employment contracts. Those who are self-employed, perform striptease and pornography are not covered, as per reports.
"This is an incredible step forward," said Isabelle Jaramillo, coordinator of the advocacy group Escape P. "It means their profession can finally be recognized as legitimate by the Belgian state."
“From the employer’s perspective, this will also be a revolution. They’ll have to apply for a state authorization to hire sex workers,” she said.
“Under the previous legislation, hiring someone for sex work automatically made you a pimp, even if the arrangement was consensual,” said Jaramillo. “Now, They’ll have to apply for state authorization to hire employees.”
The law has also been met with criticism, with some raising risks of human trafficking and exploitation.
