What's right: maternity leave for Belgian sex workers

ARA City Radio

Belgium has become the first country to offer maternity leave and pensions for sex workers, marking a major step in labor rights. A new law, effective Sunday, grants sex workers formal employment contracts with benefits similar to other professions. These include health insurance, paid leave, maternity benefits, and pensions. Passed in May, the law aims to combat abuse by providing sex workers the right to refuse clients, choose practices, and work under safer conditions. Employers must meet strict safety standards, such as conducting background checks and providing hygiene products. Independent sex workers remain permitted, but unregulated hiring or non-compliance with legal safety protocols is now punishable by law. While the law offers significant protections, critics argue it falls short in addressing issues like stigma, human trafficking, and the exploitation of undocumented workers. They believe more efforts are needed to tackle the deeper societal challenges surrounding sex work.