Belgian sex workers have gained the right to sick days, maternity pay and pension rights under the first law of its kind in the world. Lawmakers voted in May to give sex workers the same employment protections as any other employee, in an attempt to clamp down on abuse and exploitation. The law, which went into force on Sunday, ensures that sex workers have employment contracts and legal protection.
It is intended to end a grey zone created in when sex work was decriminalised in Belgium but without conferring any protections on sex workers, or labour rights such as unemployment benefit or health insurance. Under the law, sex workers have the right to refuse sexual partners or to perform specific acts and can stop an act at any time. Nor can they be sacked for these refusals. The protections do not cover home working, or activities such as striptease and pornography.
Some feminist organisations have criticised the law. The red light district in Ghent. The law, which came into force on Sunday, ensures that sex workers have employment contracts and legal protection. This article is more than 1 month old. Explore more on these topics Belgium Sex work Europe news. Reuse this content. More on this story. Belgium becomes first EU country to ban sale of disposable vapes. Belgium found guilty of crimes against humanity in colonial Congo. Three suspected IS members charged in Belgium over terrorism plot.
Belgian PM resigns after crushing defeat by right in general election. Surge in support for far-right party expected in Belgium general election. Belgian police search EU parliament office over Russian interference.
Ghent students occupy university building in climate and Gaza protest. Most viewed.
