Belgium pioneers equal rights for sex workers in landmark law
In Belgium, a law granting service providers a range of workers' rights has come into effect. Female and male workers now have the same rights as those employed in other sectors.
3 December 2024 16:45
Sexual service providers in Belgium have gained the right to sick leave, maternity benefits, and pension rights under the world's first such legislation. The Belgian parliament passed the new regulations in May 2024 and came into effect on 1st December at 11:00 PM GMT. They grant sexual service providers the same employment protection as any other worker.
Workers' rights for Belgian sex workers
In 2022, sex work was decriminalised in Belgium, but without granting sex workers any protection or workers' rights, such as unemployment benefits or health insurance. The regulations that have just come into effect aim to put an end to the "grey area" and equalise the rights of people in this industry with other workers in Belgium. They do not apply to those who work independently.
Under the new regulations, sexual service providers have the right to refuse to provide services to chosen individuals or refuse to perform certain activities and stop activities at any time. They cannot be dismissed for such refusals. Employers must have companies registered in Belgium, and the premises they operate must be equipped with panic buttons, clean linens, showers, and condoms.
What will be the effects of the new law in Belgium?
According to Belgian law, sex workers now have the right to enter into employment contracts and receive wages that meet at least minimum rates. Furthermore, they can organise into unions and negotiate working conditions, giving them greater control over employment conditions. The law also covers workplace safety issues, including ensuring appropriate working conditions and protection from client violence.
The Belgian Sex Workers Union described the law as a "huge step forward, ending legal discrimination against sex workers." However, they highlighted that the regulations could be "used" to restrict or attempt to eliminate sex work. The union stated: "We are already seeing some municipalities hiding behind words like 'safety' and 'hygiene' to announce very stringent local regulations that almost make it impossible to provide sexual services in their territory."
Source: theguardian.com
