Belgium has made a landmark decision by becoming the first country to officially recognize sex work as a profession deserving of labor rights. Under new legislation, sex workers will now have access to maternity leave, health insurance, pensions, and sick leave, effectively transforming their employment status from informal to recognized professions.
Sophie, a sex worker, recounts the challenges of balancing her demanding job while being a mother of five. "I had to work while I was nine months pregnant," she shares, emphasizing the lack of options that forced her to return to work immediately after giving birth. The new law, however, offers a glimmer of hope for workers like her who have long struggled without basic rights.
This groundbreaking legislation emerged after sex work was decriminalized in Belgium in 2022, following a wave of protests during the COVID pandemic. It aims to provide sex workers with the tools for a safer and more dignified job. As Erin Kilbride from Human Rights Watch states, the act is "radical," and serves as a call for other nations to follow suit.
However, the law faces criticism. Julia Crumière, a volunteer from the Isala NGO, argues that it may inadvertently normalize a violent profession. She points out that many sex workers hope for exit strategies rather than legal protections for their work. Yet the law not only allows sex workers to refuse unsafe practices but also establishes legal consequences for employers failing to comply.
Victoria, the president of the Belgian Union of Sex Workers, highlights how this initiative offers protective measures for individuals who have experienced abuse and exploitation. The push for the new law was driven by personal stories shared by sex workers, including their struggles with unsafe working conditions and limited choices.
While some massage parlors, like the one owned by Kris and Alexandra, vow to treat their employees with respect under the new regulations, others fear that the law could inadvertently empower "pimps" who exploit vulnerable workers.
As this transformative legislation unfolds, some questions remain about the safety of sex work. With mandated panic buttons in workspaces, advocates argue for a more proactive approach to protect sex workers from violence. For many like Mel, this law is a stepping stone towards visibility and better conditions. "I have a future now,” she states proudly.
With names changed to protect identities, this law represents a significant stride in labor rights and highlights the ongoing and complex debate surrounding the future of the sex work industry both in Belgium and around the world.
