Belgium Leads the Way in Sex Worker Rights, Granting Landmark Labor Protections
In a groundbreaking move, Belgium has become the first country in the world to grant full employment rights to sex workers. This historic legislation recognizes sex work as legitimate labor, affording individuals in the industry the same benefits and protections as any other employee.
The new law allows sex workers to enter into official employment contracts, opening the door to crucial benefits like health insurance, maternity leave, sick pay, pensions, unemployment benefits, and annual vacation time.
Previously, while prostitution was decriminalized in Belgium, it existed in a legal gray area, leaving sex workers vulnerable and lacking basic worker protections. This landmark change aims to empower them, offering a safer and more stable working environment.
"I am a very proud Belgian sex worker right now," shared Mel Meliciouss, an author and sex worker, in an emotional Instagram video.
"This is a very important step for us as sex workers. [Employers] cannot force you to do something you don’t want to do," she added.
The law is designed to multifunctional. It prevents individuals with a history of crimes like trafficking or abuse from working in the industry. It also mandates employers to provide safe working environments equipped with alarm buttons, ensuring a heightened level of protection for sex workers.
Crucially, the law empowers sex workers to refuse clients or sexual acts without fear of repercussions, solidifying their autonomy and control over their own labor.
Quentin Deltour, a key advocate for this legislation and a member of Espace P, hailed the law as "the first day of a new era." Espace P played a pivotal role in drafting the legislation, recognizing the need to address the "under-status" of citizenhood experienced by those denied social rights tied to their profession.
Deltour emphasized a shift in perspective:
"The previous mentality was that sex work is not compatible with women’s dignity. Now we can stop this moral thinking. Sex work is work for some people," he said.
While the Belgian sex workers union (UTSOPI) celebrates this "historic" step, they emphasize that it is not about mainstreaming or otherwise glamorizing sex work.
Daan Bauwens, UTSOPI’s policy and advocacy officer, highlighted the often-difficult circumstances that lead individuals to sex work.
Virginia Mayo / AP
"We are not glamorizing anything," he stated.
"In case people are making this choice because they’re going through a hard time, we’re not going to punish them a second time by denying them basic rights that we’re granting to everyone else," he added.
This landmark decision in Belgium may serve as a catalyst, potentially influencing policies and sparking important conversations about worker rights and social justice around the world.
