Belgium has made significant strides in advancing the rights and protections for sex workers with the introduction of a new law that grants them the same rights as other employees in the country. Effective from December 1, the law provides crucial employment benefits such as sick days, maternity leave, and pension rights to sex workers. This is a major milestone, ensuring that sex workers are treated with the same dignity and respect as individuals in other professions. It also protects them from exploitation, preventing them from being sacked or coerced into sexual acts against their will. The law is a reflection of Belgium’s commitment to safeguarding the well-being of all workers, regardless of their occupation.
The move follows the decriminalization of sex work in Belgium in 2022, which paved the way for these legal protections. Prior to this, sex workers were often subjected to harsh conditions, including being forced to work immediately after pregnancy, as was the case for Sophie, a sex worker who shared her experience of having to engage with clients just one week before giving birth. She explained that she had no choice but to continue working because she couldn’t afford to stop. This law is seen as a significant step toward offering sex workers a safer and more secure environment in which to work, with a firm focus on protecting their health and ensuring they are not subject to mistreatment.
The new law also includes provisions for enhanced workplace safety, such as the mandatory installation of panic buttons that connect sex workers to emergency contacts in case of danger. Employers are now required to ensure that work environments are equipped with basic necessities, such as clean linens, condoms, and access to showers, all of which are part of ensuring the physical safety of sex workers. The law also holds employers accountable for ensuring that their character meets specific standards, with criminal convictions barring individuals from hiring sex workers. This provision targets the pimps and other exploitative figures within the industry, seeking to eliminate the dangerous power dynamics that have often existed in the sex trade.
Despite these advancements, the law has been met with criticism, particularly from feminist organizations and certain advocacy groups. These critics argue that the law “normalizes” sex work, which they claim is inherently violent and exploitative. They believe that by legalizing and regulating the profession, society risks legitimizing a practice that perpetuates gender-based violence and exploitation, particularly of women and young girls. The Council of Francophone Women of Belgium, for example, called the bill “catastrophic,” particularly for young girls and victims of human trafficking, arguing that by protecting sex workers, the law may inadvertently contribute to the acceptance of sex work as a normalized occupation.
The Belgian Union of Sex Workers, however, has praised the law, calling it a “huge step forward” in ending legal discrimination against sex workers. They emphasize that the law provides sex workers with essential tools to protect themselves and advocate for their rights. For many, it represents a form of legal recognition that was long overdue, as sex workers had previously been subjected to stigma and marginalization, both socially and legally. The law now ensures that they are treated with the same dignity as any other worker, with the legal framework providing crucial protections for those in the industry.
While the law provides significant protections, it does not extend to all forms of sex work. Notably, it does not include homework, striptease, or pornography, which some see as a gap in the law’s coverage. Additionally, local municipalities are beginning to impose stricter regulations that may limit the ability of sex workers to practice their profession, citing concerns over safety and hygiene. These regulations have the potential to create challenges for sex workers, as they may face local restrictions that make it more difficult to work legally or safely. This has raised concerns among sex workers, who fear that such restrictions may lead to increased risks of exploitation and abuse, despite the law’s intent to offer greater protection.
In a broader sense, the law places Belgium among a select group of countries that have taken steps to decriminalize and regulate prostitution, such as New Zealand, the Netherlands, and certain regions of the United States and Australia. These countries have recognized that decriminalization and regulation are more effective in protecting sex workers’ rights than criminalization, which often leaves workers vulnerable to abuse and exploitation.
Erin Kilbride, a researcher at Human Rights Watch, lauded Belgium’s efforts, calling the law “radical” and noting that it sets a positive example for other countries to follow. She argued that this law is a major leap forward for human rights, as it acknowledges the rights and humanity of sex workers and offers them much-needed protections. Kilbride’s praise highlights the law’s potential to set a precedent for other nations grappling with how to regulate sex work in a way that protects workers while addressing issues of exploitation.
The law’s implementation is still in its early stages, and its long-term impact remains to be seen. For many sex workers, however, it represents a beacon of hope, offering them the opportunity for a safer and more dignified working life. For others, particularly those in feminist and advocacy groups, the debate continues over whether legalizing sex work can ever be reconciled with efforts to eradicate violence against women and trafficking. As Belgium moves forward with this landmark legislation, it will undoubtedly serve as a point of reference in the global debate over the future of sex work and workers’ rights.
