* Including maternity leave, pension, others
Belgium has become the first country in the world to grant sex workers formal employment contracts, offering them access to maternity leave, pensions, health insurance, and other workplace benefits.
Although the commercialization of sexual services is not illegal in Belgium, the groundbreaking law passed in May officially came into effect on Sunday, transforming the rights landscape for individuals in the industry.
The new legislation ensures fundamental rights for sex workers.
Employers in the sector are required to adhere to strict regulations, including obtaining proper authorization and meeting background checks to ensure no prior convictions for offenses such as sexual assault, human trafficking, or fraud.
Additionally, workplaces must be clean, sanitary, and equipped with safety measures, such as panic buttons. Employers are also prohibited from terminating a worker for refusing a client or a specific act.
Mel Meliciousss, a member of UTSOPI, the Belgian union for sex workers, expressed her excitement over the development.
“I am a very proud Belgian sex worker right now. People who are already working in the industry will be much more protected, and also people who are going to work in the industry now know what their rights are,” she shared on Instagram.