OAN Staff James Myers
11:47am – Monday, December 2, 2024
Belgian sex workers will receive pensions, maternity benefits, health insurance and other employment benefits under a first-of-its-kind law that came into force on Sunday.
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In May, the country's lawmakers voted to give sex workers the same employment protections as other workers in a bid to stop abuse and exploitation.
The law, which took effect on Sunday, guarantees sex workers access to employment contracts and legal protections.
Meanwhile, the first-of-its-kind legislation comes two years after European countries decriminalized sex work.
“This is an opportunity for us to exist as human beings,” Belgian sex worker Sophie told the magazine. BBC.
“During my nine months of pregnancy, I had to work. I had sex with a client a week before giving birth. I couldn't stop because I needed the money.” she said.
Under Belgium's new law, sex workers in the country will have access to employment contracts and legal protections that provide health insurance, paid leave, maternity benefits, unemployment assistance and pensions. The law also provides regulations regarding working hours and pay.
Additionally, the new law requires employers to adhere to strict safety and cleaning standards, with all brothels equipped with clean condoms, linens and hygiene products, as well as emergency buttons. are.
However, the law states that employers with convictions for sexual assault and human trafficking are not allowed to operate.
Isabel Jaramillo, coordinator of the advocacy group Espace P, which helped draft the bill, said the new law is revolutionary and will provide clear steps for employers.
“This is an incredible step forward. It means that their profession is finally recognized as legitimate by the Belgian state,” she said. Associated Press.
“Under previous law, if you hired someone for sex work, even if it was consensual, you were automatically considered a pimp. You have to apply,” she said of brothel operators.
Other countries, including Turkey, Germany, Greece and the Netherlands, have also legalized sex work, but none have established labor protections for employees.
Critics slammed the new law, saying it normalizes “violent” jobs that lead to human trafficking, sexual exploitation and abuse.
“What other job requires a panic button?” said Julia Courmière, a volunteer with Isara, an organization that supports sex workers on the Belgian streets.
“It's not just the world's oldest profession, it's the world's oldest exploitation.”
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