Belgium Approves Landmark Legislation for Sex Workers' Rights

The new legislation in Belgium marks a historic moment, offering sex workers employment rights similar to other professions, amidst varying opinions on the implications for workers’ safety and welfare.

Belgium has made history by passing a groundbreaking law granting sex workers maternity leave, health insurance, pensions, and sick days, effectively recognizing their profession in a manner akin to traditional employment. This radical move is aimed at elevating the status of sex workers and providing them essential rights that were previously unattainable.

Sophie, a sex worker and mother of five, shared her struggles, stating, “I had to work while I was nine months pregnant. I couldn’t afford to stop because I needed the money.” The newly instated law will now offer her the maternity leave she desperately needed.

Under this law, sex work is officially recognized as a legitimate profession, allowing sex workers to establish official employment contracts for the first time. Critics of the measure caution against the normalization of a profession they claim inherently carries risks of exploitation and abuse. Julia Crumière, a volunteer with Isala, expressed concerns, stating, “It is dangerous because it normalizes a profession that is always violent at its core.”

Supporters, including Erin Kilbride from Human Rights Watch, hailed the law as "the best step we have seen anywhere in the world so far," emphasizing the need for other countries to follow suit. The reform comes in response to advocacy efforts and protests focused on workers’ rights, particularly highlighted during the state support struggles in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Victoria, a prominent advocate and president of UTSOPI (the Belgian Union of Sex Workers), views prostitution as a crucial social service, providing a sense of companionship for isolated individuals. She explains that the previous legal framework forced workers into hazardous conditions marked by coercive power dynamics.

Kris Reekmans, who manages a massage parlour and employs sex workers, optimistically notes that the new law aims to differentiate between good and bad employers, offering protections that could eliminate unlawful practices.

Despite the progress, there are voices like Crumière’s advocating for a reality where women seek alternative employment rather than remain in sex work. She pointedly remarks on safety measures, stating, “In what other job would you need a panic button?”

As the debate over the viability and safety of sex work continues, Mel, one of the many affected, believes that bringing such labor practices out of the shadows represents progress. She asserts, “I am very proud that Belgium is so far ahead. I have a future now.”

With this law, Belgium stands as a beacon of change for sex workers globally, navigating a complex web of rights, safety, and societal acceptance.