Belgium has made history by enacting legislation that grants sex workers the same rights and protections as other professions, a move celebrated by human rights groups and advocates worldwide.
Signed into law on Sunday, the groundbreaking policy ensures sex workers access to maternity leave, pensions, and legal safeguards against exploitation.
This development follows the 2022 protests where sex workers demanded government support after being excluded from COVID-19 assistance programs.
Under the new framework, sex workers now have the autonomy to refuse clients, decline specific acts, or terminate any engagement at any point.
Employers are mandated to maintain strict standards, including providing hygienic premises, panic buttons, clean linens, and other essentials.
The Belgian Union of Sex Workers described the legislation as a transformative achievement. “This is a huge step forward, ending legal discrimination against sex workers,” the union stated.
International organizations, such as Human Rights Watch, have also lauded Belgium’s progressive approach. Erin Kilbride, a researcher with the group, called the law “radical” and urged its 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,” she said.
Sophie, a Belgian sex worker, expressed her relief to the BBC, stating, “This is an opportunity for us to exist as people.”
This landmark law not only enhances the rights and dignity of sex workers in Belgium but also sets a powerful example for other nations considering similar reforms.
