Belgium has introduced a new development in Europe by formally recognizing pr0stitution as a legitimate profession, granting workers the same employment rights as those in other sectors.
This historic legislation, passed in May and enacted on Sunday, allows s3x workers to sign formal contracts and access critical benefits such as health insurance, pensions, family allowances, maternity leave, and paid vacations.
The legal shift builds on Belgium’s 2022 decision to decriminalize sex work, which also narrowed the definition of pimping.
This adjustment ensured that sex workers could access essential services, such as banking, insurance, transportation, and accounting, without fear of discrimination or legal repercussions.
The new law goes even further, offering sex workers labor rights and protections on par with other professions, addressing long-standing inequities in the industry.
The legislation guarantees s3x workers the fundamental rights to refuse clients, set the terms of any act, and halt an act at any moment.
Employers hiring sex workers are now required to obtain official authorization and meet stringent background checks, including having no prior convictions for s3xual assault, human trafficking, or fraud.
Additionally, employers must maintain clean and sanitary premises, provide hygiene products, and install panic buttons for enhanced safety.
Employers are prohibited from dismissing an employee who refuses a client or declines to perform a specific act, further strengthening worker protections.
These changes aim to ensure sex workers are treated equitably while creating safer working environments.
The reforms also address issues faced by s3x workers before the introduction of labor protections.
The introduction of pensions, unemployment benefits, and other rights now offers a much-needed framework for long-term security.
