Belgium First in the World to Approve Labour Law for Sex Workers

KAKALI DAS

Belgium has recently passed ground-breaking legislation regarding labour rights for sex workers, making it the first country globally to do so. This significant move grants sex workers substantial rights and protections.

Under the new law, sex workers in Belgium gain access to healthcare services, the freedom to terminate their contracts at any time, the right to refuse sexual acts, and eligibility for pension benefits.

This legislation establishes a precedent for other nations to follow.

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Despite sex work being legal or partially legal in 78 countries worldwide, there is a glaring absence of protections for individuals in this industry.

Can these nations take a leaf out of Belgium’s book?

Belgium’s ground-breaking move marks a global first, as it introduces new labour laws specifically tailored for sex workers. These regulations grant workers entitlements such as health insurance, pensions, unemployment benefits, family allowances, holidays, and maternity leave, mirroring standard employment rights found in other professions worldwide.

Furthermore, sex workers now have the right to refuse any client and decline any sexual act, with the assurance that they won’t face dismissal or repercussions.

Additionally, pimps are required to install an alarm button in each room, allowing sex workers to signal discomfort and halt any sexual activity if necessary.

Belgium First in the World to Approve Labour Law for Sex Workers

Moreover, it’s mandated that pimps must prioritize the safety of sex workers who wish to terminate their contracts, ensuring they can do so without forfeiting their entitlement to unemployment benefits.

The new legislation guarantees anonymity for all sex workers, enabling them to pursue alternative employment opportunities without the fear of facing discrimination.

In 2022, Belgium made history by becoming the first country to decriminalize self-employed sex work, and now they’ve extended employment rights to this sector.

This ground-breaking law is a global first and sets a precedent for the future. Despite prostitution being legal or partially legal in 78 countries worldwide, there remains a significant lack of protections for those involved in the industry.

The legalization of prostitution aimed to ensure safety and provide workers with access to healthcare and government services. However, it has transformed into a lucrative industry generating millions in taxes, yet failing to adequately support the workers. This is the reality even in places where prostitution is legal.

Furthermore, the industry still carries a stigma, which can prevent sex workers from seeking help when they need it, or from reporting abuses for fear of social ostracization. This stigma can also prevent sex workers from accessing other employment opportunities if they wish to leave the industry.

While the legalization of prostitution may have been well-intentioned, the reality is that in many places, it has simply become another industry generating profit, while continuing to marginalize and exploit those it was intended to protect. This highlights the need for more comprehensive and focused policies, which prioritize the wellbeing and safety of sex workers over revenue generation.

Consider the situation in countries where prostitution remains illegal. Despite its underground nature, sex work still exists, often escaping scrutiny and leaving workers vulnerable to increased discrimination.

Consensual sex work should be recognised as paid labour. A re-conceptualisation of sex work as a form of sexual labour will increase sex workers’ accessibility to resources, empower them to advocate for representation and participation, and challenge social exclusion.

Governments often overlook the issue, resulting in a lack of access to health and safety measures for sex workers. This leaves them vulnerable to violence and exploitation.

There is a pressing need for a conscientious and non-discriminatory regulatory framework that safeguards the rights of sex workers through labour legislation.

This framework should prioritize ensuring workplace health and safety, as well as providing legal support for addressing instances of injury, abuse, and unfair treatment.

The Belgian government’s action is commendable because, regardless of governmental responses, sex work exists worldwide and will continue to do so in the future, despite prevalent stereotypes and societal attitudes.

11-05-2024

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