Summary

Belgium has become the first country to grant sex workers employment protections, including sick leave, maternity pay, and pension rights.

The new law, effective Sunday, aims to reduce exploitation and ensure safety by requiring employment contracts and workplace protections, such as panic buttons and hygienic facilities.

Sex workers now have the right to refuse clients or acts without fear of dismissal.

While hailed as a breakthrough by the Belgian Union of Sex Workers, critics argue it could be misused to restrict sex work or normalize exploitation, sparking ongoing debate.