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Belgium Pioneers World-First Law Granting Sex Workers Maternity Leave, Pensions

Dec 1, 2024, 08:22 PM

Belgium has introduced a groundbreaking law granting sex workers formal employment rights, including health insurance, pensions, maternity leave, sick days, and the right to sign contracts. This legislation, effective from December 1, 2024, marks the first time globally that sex work is recognized as a legitimate profession with associated labor rights. The new law follows the decriminalization of sex work in Belgium in 2022, aligning it with other professions in terms of employment protections. Employers are now required to adhere to strict safety protocols, obtain authorization, and comply with background check requirements. This move is seen as a significant step towards regularizing the work lives of sex workers, providing them with protections and benefits previously unavailable to them. Additionally, sex workers now have the right to refuse clients, decline specific acts, or stop an act at any point.