There is no example of this in the world! Sex workers in the country will be granted maternity leave and retirement rights.

Belgium is set to change the lives of sex workers with a new law, the first of its kind in the world. The country is preparing to grant sex workers the right to work under contract, access health insurance, retirement benefits, maternity leave, and sick leave. This way, sex work is gaining status like other jobs within the economy.

There are approximately 52 million sex workers worldwide. Like many countries, Belgium decriminalized the profession in 2022. However, by legalizing sex work two years ago, Belgium is making a pioneering move in terms of rights. Erin Kilbride, a researcher at Human Rights Watch (HRW), states, "This is a radical step and the most positive progress we have seen anywhere in the world so far. Every country needs to move in this direction."

“THERE IS A DANGER OF NORMALIZING A JOB THAT IS INHERENTLY VIOLENT”

Critics of the legalization of sex work as a sector argue that it exposes women to human trafficking and exploitation. Legal protections for workers will not alleviate these concerns. Julia Crumière, a volunteer at Isala, a non-profit organization established to assist sex workers in Belgium, argues that the law poses a danger of normalizing "a job that is inherently violent." Many sex workers do this job because they feel they have no choice.

MANDATORY "ALARM BUTTON" IN EVERY ROOM

“Women traffickers” who organize sex work in the sector will also gain legal status. These individuals will be allowed to operate legally, provided they comply with strict regulations. Those convicted of serious crimes will not be permitted to employ sex workers. The new law also mandates the installation of alarm buttons in every room where sexual relations occur.

The Belgian government's decision came as a result of protests during the Covid pandemic. During the pandemic, sex workers were unable to receive state support.