Belgium Becomes First Country to Grant Full Labor Rights to S£x Workers
Belgium has made history as the first country in the world to enact legislation granting comprehensive labor rights to s£x workers. This landmark move comes after the country decriminalized s£x work in 2022, paving the way for workers in the industry to receive benefits and protections comparable to those in other professions.
Key Provisions of the Law
Under the new regulations, s£x workers in Belgium are now entitled to:
- Health insurance
- Paid leave, including maternity benefits
- Pension benefits
- Unemployment support
- Sick leave
The law also establishes frameworks for working hours, pay, and safety protocols, addressing long-standing gaps in legal protections for those in the industry.
Safeguards for Workers and Employers
For employers, the legislation introduces stringent requirements to ensure worker safety and ethical hiring practices:
- Employers must apply for state authorization to hire s£x workers.
- They must meet strict background requirements, including no prior convictions for s£xual assault or human trafficking.
- Workspaces must adhere to safety protocols, including the provision of clean linens, condoms, hygiene products, and emergency buttons.
Advocacy and Impact
“This is an incredible step forward,” said Isabelle Jaramillo, coordinator of advocacy group Espace P, which contributed to drafting the legislation. “It means their profession can finally be recognized as legitimate by the Belgian state.”
Previously, hiring someone for consensual s£x work could be classified as pimping under Belgian law. Now, regulated hiring offers s£x workers legal recognition and protections while ensuring accountability for employers.
Challenges and Criticism
Despite the progress, critics argue that the law does not fully address the stigma and vulnerabilities associated with the industry, particularly for undocumented s£x workers.
“There’s still a lot of work to be done,” Jaramillo added, highlighting the need for improved police and judicial training to better protect marginalized workers.
Global Context
While countries such as Germany and the Netherlands have legalized s£x work, Belgium’s approach sets a new precedent by providing labor protections on par with other professions.
The legislation is seen as a model for balancing workers’ rights, public safety, and ethical regulation in an often stigmatized and vulnerable sector.
