Belgium Introduces Special Labor Law for Sex Workers, First in the World

brussels - Belgium becomes the first country in the world to implement a special labor law for sex workers, granting specific rights to prostitutes in employment.

Belgium has become the first country in the world to introduce a special labor law for sex workers. Prostitutes in employment now have specific rights in the execution of their age-old profession.

The law, which was pushed through the Belgian parliament last spring, outlines the rights and responsibilities of workers and employers in the sex industry.

Entrepreneurs seeking to hire sex workers must obtain official recognition from the government. This recognition is only granted by demonstrating that they have not been convicted of offenses such as human trafficking or fraud. They must also take various measures to ensure a safe working environment. For instance, individuals working on location must have an alarm button, and companies are required to have a designated trust person.

Sex workers are entitled to access social security, take maternity leave, and accrue pension rights. Moreover, specific labor conditions are stipulated in the law: a sex worker has the right to refuse or stop specific acts, which should not be considered a shortcoming. Telecommuting is allowed under conditions, and students cannot be employed.

The Belgian Sex Workers Union, Utsopi, regards the new law as a milestone. "We could never have imagined we would be here," said the organization to the Flemish broadcaster VRT.

For brothel owners or escort entrepreneurs, it was already possible in Belgium to offer someone a contract. However, until Sunday, there was no special law or collective agreement specifying rights and responsibilities for sex workers and their employers. Consequently, sex workers did not receive any assistance during the corona lockdown.

Advocate Utsopi informed VRT that the law does not solve all issues. Some sex workers are self-employed, and there are still undocumented individuals in the sector.

In the Netherlands, prostitution has been legal since 2000. The government in The Hague has been discussing a new law for years to regulate the sector more strictly, including requiring permits for both sex workers and operators of sex businesses.