A groundbreaking law in Belgium, which came into effect on Sunday, grants sex workers the right to formal employment contracts, entitling them to benefits such as sick pay and maternity leave. This legislation, passed by Belgian lawmakers in May, provides sex workers with the same rights and protections as workers in other industries, including health insurance and unemployment benefits.
Daan Bauwens, director of the Belgian Union of Sex Workers, described the law as a world first, offering a comprehensive legislative framework that ensures equal rights and protection from the risks associated with sex work.
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Quentin Deltour, a public relations manager at Espace P, an organization advocating for sex worker rights in Belgium, emphasized that those signing formal contracts now have access to comprehensive social protections available to most workers in Belgium.
The new law also gives sex workers the right to refuse services or specific sexual acts and to stop working at any time. Employers must obtain a government license to hire sex workers, and these licenses are only granted if the employer meets certain criteria, such as having no criminal convictions related to rape or human trafficking. Additionally, employers are required to provide condoms, clean bed linen, and emergency alarm buttons in workers’ rooms.
Previously, many sex workers signed contracts with employers or pimps, but these agreements were legally invalid due to the illegal nature of pimping. Deltour explained that such contracts had no value, as they were akin to agreements in illegal activities, such as drug trafficking.
The law follows Belgium’s decriminalization of sex work two years ago, which removed penalties for both the buyer and seller of sex and allowed third parties, such as landlords and accountants, to legally assist sex workers. This step was essential for protecting sex workers from violence but did not provide access to social security.
While the new law is a significant step, it does not cover all types of sex workers, such as those working independently, online, or in pornography. Deltour acknowledged this limitation but expressed optimism that this law would pave the way for further improvements in the rights of sex workers.
