Belgium Grants Sex Workers Maternity Leave and Pensions: World First Sparks Debate
Belgium has implemented a world-first law granting sex workers employment rights, including maternity leave, pensions, and sick days, effectively treating sex work like any other profession. This landmark legislation, following months of protests and spurred by the pandemic’s impact, aims to improve the lives and safety of sex workers by providing legal protections and contracts. While critics express concerns about normalizing potentially exploitative practices, proponents argue the law offers crucial safeguards against abuse and empowers workers to refuse unwanted acts. The law also includes strict regulations for employers, aiming to weed out those with criminal records and improve working conditions.
John Q. Hosedrinker