Belgium has recently enacted a groundbreaking law that provides sex workers with extensive labor rights and protections.
This new legislation, which took effect on December 1, 2024, allows sex workers to sign formal employment contracts, granting them access to benefits such as health insurance, paid leave, maternity benefits, unemployment support, and pensions.
The law also ensures that sex workers have the right to refuse clients, choose their practices, and stop an act at any moment without facing negative consequences from their employers. Employers must obtain state authorization, adhere to strict safety protocols, and meet background requirements, including no prior convictions for sexual assault or human trafficking.
This legislation marks a significant step forward in recognizing sex work as legitimate employment and providing sex workers with the same labor rights as other professions. However, some critics argue that the law does not fully address the stigma and risks associated with the trade, especially for undocumented sex workers.
This move follows Belgium’s 2022 decision to decriminalize sex work, making it the first country in modern Europe to do so. The new law aims to improve the safety and working conditions of sex workers, ensuring they are treated with dignity and respect.
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