Belgium Pioneers Labor Rights for Sex Workers with New Protections

Belgium has become the first country to grant sex workers the right to formal employment contracts, providing them with labor protections such as sick leave, maternity pay, and pensions. The new law, effective from Sunday, also ensures sex workers can refuse clients and set conditions for their work. This move follows Belgium's 2022 decision to decriminalize sex work and redefine pimping laws, aiming to protect sex workers from exploitation and discrimination. However, these protections apply only to those with employment contracts, excluding self-employed sex workers and those in pornography or striptease.