Belgium’s Landmark Law Grants Sex Workers Maternity Leave and Pensions, Setting a Global Precedent

Belgium has passed a groundbreaking law that provides sex workers with maternity leave, pensions, and other employment benefits, marking a world-first for the industry.

The new legislation, which treats sex work as any other profession, was introduced following months of protests and advocacy by sex workers, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the lack of state support for the community.

Under this new law, sex workers will be entitled to official employment contracts, health insurance, pensions, sick leave, and maternity leave, giving them much-needed labor protections.

Sophie, a mother of five and sex worker in Belgium, shared her experience, revealing how she had to continue working while pregnant and immediately after a Caesarean section because she couldn’t afford to take time off. The new law would have made her life easier by providing maternity leave and job security.

Sophie described the change as an opportunity to be treated with dignity, stating, “It’s an opportunity for us to exist as people.” Erin Kilbride, a researcher at Human Rights Watch, called the legislation “radical” and praised it as the most significant step forward for sex workers’ rights globally.

Belgium decriminalized sex work in 2022, and the new employment protections mark a world-first for sex workers, establishing them as legitimate workers with rights.

However, critics of the law argue that it could normalize an industry that they claim is inherently exploitative and contributes to human trafficking. Julia Crumière, a volunteer with the Isala NGO, warned that the law does not address the potential risks of violence and exploitation inherent in sex work.

For many sex workers, however, the law comes as a relief, offering the opportunity to work in safer conditions with legal protections. Mel, an escort, shared her painful experience of being forced to perform an unsafe sexual act without a condom due to a lack of options. Under the new law, she can now refuse any client or sexual act she finds uncomfortable, and will have legal recourse if her rights are violated.

The law also aims to regulate employers, ensuring that only those with clean records are allowed to operate legally, which could drive out exploitative employers.

Kris Reekmans, who runs a massage parlor, hopes the law will weed out bad employers while allowing those who treat workers with respect to thrive. He believes this shift will allow the profession to be treated more seriously and safely.

While critics have raised concerns about the potential dangers of the industry, advocates argue that this law will improve sex workers’ safety and well-being by giving them legal protections and access to necessary benefits. For many in the profession, it represents a long-overdue step toward dignity and equality in the workplace.