From Sunday, sex workers in Belgium will gain access to formal employment contracts and a suite of labour rights in what advocates are calling a significant step towards recognising their profession. The legislation, which builds on Belgium’s 2022 decriminalisation of sex work, ensures workers in the industry receive protections comparable to those in other sectors.
The new law provides sex workers with benefits including health insurance, paid leave, maternity benefits, unemployment support, and pensions. It also enshrines their right to refuse clients, determine the nature of their services, and withdraw consent at any point. This marks a notable departure from previous regulations, which left sex workers vulnerable to exploitation and without basic labour safeguards.
A Groundbreaking Shift in Policy
“This is an incredible step forward,” said Isabelle Jaramillo, coordinator of Espace P, an advocacy group that played a role in drafting the law. “It means their profession can finally be recognised as legitimate by the Belgian state.”
Employers in the sector are now required to meet stringent criteria to operate legally. This includes obtaining state authorisation, adhering to safety protocols, and maintaining clean and secure working environments. Employers must also ensure the provision of essential supplies, such as condoms and hygiene products, and install emergency alert systems in workspaces.
“Previously, hiring someone for sex work automatically labelled you a pimp, even in consensual arrangements,” Jaramillo explained. “Now, employers must meet background checks, including being free from convictions related to sexual assault or human trafficking, to ensure the industry operates ethically and safely.”
Independent sex workers remain unaffected by these requirements but continue to operate outside the regulatory framework. Any unregulated third-party arrangements will face legal action under the new system.
Addressing Longstanding Gaps
Belgium’s legislation seeks to address issues of safety, dignity, and recognition for sex workers, a group often marginalised and exposed to significant risks. By integrating sex workers into the country’s labour system, advocates hope to reduce the stigma associated with the profession and improve working conditions.
Despite these advancements, challenges remain. Critics argue that the law does not fully address the unique vulnerabilities faced by undocumented sex workers, who often operate outside legal frameworks and lack access to support systems.
“There’s still a lot of work to be done,” Jaramillo noted, emphasising the importance of ongoing police and judicial training to protect marginalised workers.
A Comparative Approach
Belgium’s new policy positions it ahead of other countries with regulated sex work industries, such as Germany and the Netherlands. While these countries have legalised sex work, their frameworks lack the comprehensive labour protections introduced in Belgium.
By formalising sex work as a legitimate profession, Belgium seeks to set a precedent in Europe. The law not only improves conditions for those within the industry but also challenges societal perceptions of sex work.
