Belgium: This country has made history by passing the worlds first law granting sex workers extensive employment rights, including maternity leave, sick pay, and health insurance. This groundbreaking move aims to provide financial security and workplace safety to individuals in an often stigmatised and unregulated profession.Exclusion of self-employed workers sparks criticismWhile widely celebrated, the new legislation has drawn criticism for excluding self-employed sex workers. Nova Jewels, a 28-year-old sex worker from Scotland, highlighted this limitation. Nova, who transitioned from a career as a wedding coordinator to digital sex work, earns around £4,000 a month through online platforms but does not benefit from similar employment protections.The law focuses mainly on prostitution and excludes self-employed sex workers, Nova explained. Theres a significant difference between creating online content and engaging in real-life prostitution. Many aspects of this field remain unaddressed, which I find concerning.Maternity pay praised but broader concerns remainBelgium decriminalised consensual prostitution in 2022, and this new legislation is expected to benefit approximately 30,000 workers by offering typical employment rights. Campaigners have praised the move, with many sex workers expressing pride in the progressive steps taken by their country.However, Nova sees potential issues in its implementation. She praised the provision of maternity pay as a step forward but raised concerns about the motivations behind some womens decisions to enter the industry. You shouldnt bring a child into the world if you cant securely provide for them, she commented.
