Belgium has become the first country in the world to grant sex workers full employment rights, including access to sick leave, maternity pay, pensions, and other labor protections.
This legislation, which took effect on Sunday, December 1, 2024, marks a significant milestone in the fight for sex workers’ rights.
The new law provides sex workers with formal employment contracts, guaranteeing them the same rights and protections as other workers in Belgium.
This includes the right to refuse clients, set conditions for acts, and stop them at any time.
Employers are also required to meet strict background checks and ensure their premises are clean, equipped with panic buttons, and comply with labor standards.
The passage of this legislation is a testament to the tireless efforts of sex workers’ unions, who have been advocating for these protections for years.
Mel Meliciousss, a member of the Belgian union of sex workers, UTSOPI, expressed her excitement on Instagram, saying, “I am a very proud Belgium sex worker right now. People who are already working in the industry will be much more protected, and also people who are going to work in the industry also know what their rights are.”
