The Belgium Government on Sunday, signed into law, the legislation guaranteeing sex workers in the country access to maternity leave, pensions, and legal safeguards against exploitation.
The Government through the law granted sex workers the same rights and protections as other workers in the country. The law has been widely praised by rights groups and advocates.
This milestone follows widespread protests in 2022, where sex workers demanded state support. That was after they were excluded from COVID-19 government assistance programs.
Under the new law, sex workers now have the right to refuse clients, decline specific acts. Or halt any act at any point. The law also states that employers must adhere to strict regulations. Such as maintaining hygienic premises, providing panic buttons, and ensuring access to clean linens and other essentials.
The Belgian Union of Sex Workers, BUSW, has hailed the law as a “huge step forward” in combating discrimination.
“This is a huge step forward, ending legal discrimination against sex workers,” the union emphasized in a statement.
International organizations, including Human Rights Watch, have applauded Belgium’s progressive stance.
Erin Kilbride, a researcher with the group, described the legislation as “radical” and urged global adoption.
“This is the best step we have seen anywhere in the world so far. We need every country to be moving in that direction,” Kilbride said.
A sex worker in Belgium, Sophie shared her perspective with the BBC, stating, “This is an opportunity for us to exist as people.”
“This landmark law not only enhances the rights of sex workers in Belgium but also sets a precedent for other nations to consider similar reforms,” she said.
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source: Nigerian Tribune
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