The new law in Belgium, which came into force on Sunday, gives sex workers extended labor rights, the opportunity to sign employment contracts, and ensures fundamental rights such as the right to refuse a customer or to terminate contact with a customer at any time.
The law follows the 2022 decision to legalize prostitution.
This is a major step forward. It means that their profession is finally recognized as legitimate by the Belgian state, says Isabelle Jaramillo, who is part of a pressure group for sex workers' rights.
The law also includes several provisions on protection and safety measures for sex workers.
It also regulates rights to sickness insurance, parental benefits, pension, and the possibility of unemployment benefits. Employers must obtain approval to operate and background checks are introduced to ensure that there are no convictions for sexual offenses or human trafficking.
Human trafficking remains illegal in Belgium.
Critics argue, among other things, that the law does not provide sufficient protection for undocumented sex workers who lack legal status.
