Belgium's groundbreaking law, effective as of December 2024, offers sex workers greater protections against exploitation and extends essential social benefits, including maternity leave and safety protocols, marking a significant advancement in labor rights globally.
Belgium's Landmark Law Enhances Rights and Protections for Sex Workers

Belgium's Landmark Law Enhances Rights and Protections for Sex Workers
A new legislation in Belgium aims to provide unprecedented labor rights and social protections for sex workers, setting a global precedent.
Belgium has set a global standard with its newly enacted law that significantly improves labor rights and protections for sex workers. Enforced from December 1, 2024, this legislation builds on the country’s landmark decision in 2022 to decriminalize sex work, a first for Europe. Advocates highlight that this new law offers sex workers access to protections and benefits unheard of in similar frameworks worldwide.
Under this revised legal framework, sex workers have the option to enter into formal employment contracts, which come with a host of protections reflective of the rights available to other workers. Erin Kilbride, a researcher from Human Rights Watch specializing in women's and LGBTQ+ rights, labeled it as “the most comprehensive labor law related to sex work globally.”
One of the standout features of this law is the introduction of ongoing consent requirements. Sex workers who agree to contractual terms can decline clients, specify which acts they will or won’t engage in, and have the right to pause an interaction, all without risking repercussions from their employers. Moreover, the law includes crucial safety measures such as the installation of emergency buttons in client meeting spaces.
This legislation also enhances access to Belgium's robust social security system. It provides sex workers with benefits such as paid maternity leave, sick leave, jobless assistance, and the ability to contribute to pensions. Additionally, the law establishes protections against wrongful termination and exploitation from employers, explicitly prohibiting individuals with prior convictions for violent crimes from hiring sex workers.
Overall, Belgium’s innovative approach is poised to reshape the landscape for sex workers, ensuring their rights and security are prioritized in a way that has been largely absent in discussions of labor rights globally.