Belgium Authorizes Adult Entertainment Workers
Hopping on the Red-Light Tramway: The Evolution of Sex Work in Belgium
A police station nestled amidst the picturesque, historic sailors' quarter of Antwerp's port is flanked by the glowing neon hues of sex workers' display windows. This symbolic setting signifies Belgium's push towards legalizing and normalizing sex work, a shift that reflects the country's progressive stance on personal choices, albeit with some ongoing abuses.
Since the adoption of the new law in December, Belgian sex workers can enjoy a range of labor benefits and protections, similar to any other profession. The change has been warmly welcomed, with Kiana, a self-proclaimed sex worker, asserting, "I'm not a victim; I chose to work here and I like what I'm doing."
Kiana, a Romanian expat, rents one of the 51 display windows at the Villa Tinto complex, a popular hub for sex workers, where she traditionally plies her trade five days a week. With her mother's knowledge, she maintains the facade of working in nail and tattoo artistry for the rest of her family.
For Mel, a well-known sex worker on TikTok, the new law means she can finally step out of the shadows and proudly disclose her profession. "I was just tired of lying about what I do for a living... the law has allowed me to come out of the shadows," she confesses.
EMBRACING A HASSLE-FREE LIFESTYLE
Belgium's updated policy states that an adult can legally advertise their own 'sexual services' in designated locations. Third parties, such as web designers, bankers, and property owners, are no longer at risk of prosecution for their involvement in the sex work industry, provided they stay well within the boundaries.
However, pimping and child prostitution are still punishable offenses. According to advocates, this bold step signals Belgium's alignment with countries like Germany and the Netherlands that have embraced the notion of regularizing sex work, contrasting the rigid stance of nations such as France and Sweden that follow the 'Nordic model'[1].
LEAVING THE SHAME BEHIND
Since the law's implementation, the stigma around sex work has begun to dissipate. Marianne Chargois, a sex worker and activist, states, "In a way we have moved away from shame."
Estimates suggest that there are between 9,000 and 26,000 sex workers in Belgium, with women making up over 90% of the contingent. While significant progress has been made, organizations strive to bring attention to the invisible aspects of prostitution, exposing the pervasive financial coercion that fuels the industry[1].
However, not everyone endorses the reforms. The Isala association criticizes the new law, arguing that it encourages pimping and compromises the safety of sex workers by granting brothel owners more power to put them in hazardous situations. The Isala has called for the law's repeal, sparking a debate that may ultimately reach the constitutional court[3].
Owners of establishments like Villa Tinto prefer the self-employed status, maintaining that employment contracts compromise the freedom sex workers currently enjoy. "The sex workers who work here, they're very free and independent," says Karin Vander Elst, the owner of Villa Tinto. "If we're going to give them a contract, it's very difficult to maintain that or to keep everybody happy."
FROM THE SHADOWS TO THE SPOTLIGHT
The new law allowing sex workers to sign employment contracts, effective from December, grants more labor rights, including health insurance, to these workers[4]. Although only three applications for employment contracts have been received thus far, this landmark legislation marks a significant leap towards acknowledging sex work as a legitimate profession and providing it with an appropriate legal framework.
Despite the legal advancements, sex workers continue to face numerous challenges, including pervasive stigma and exploitation. However, the momentum towards reform initiated by Belgium's latest law presents hope for a future where sex work can be conducted consensually, safely, and without fear of persecution.
- The change in Belgium's policy allows sex workers to advertise their services in designated locations, creating a hassle-free lifestyle for those involved.
- Under the new law, third parties such as web designers, bankers, and property owners are no longer at risk of prosecution for their involvement in the sex work industry.
- Kiana, a Romanian expat, working in Antwerp's Villa Tinto complex, prefers to maintain the facade of working in nail and tattoo artistry for her family.
- Mel, a well-known sex worker on TikTok, has stepped out of the shadows and proudly disclosed her profession since the new law was implemented.
- The updated policy in Belgium aligns with countries like Germany and the Netherlands that have embraced the notion of regularizing sex work, contrasting the rigid stance of nations such as France and Sweden.
- With the law's implementation, the stigma around sex work has started to dissipate, as seen in the words of sex worker and activist Marianne Chargois, who declares, "In a way, we have moved away from shame."
- Although only three applications for employment contracts have been received since the new law allowing sex workers to sign contracts, it marks a significant leap towards acknowledging sex work as a legitimate profession and providing it with an appropriate legal framework.
- The momentum towards reform initiated by Belgium's latest law presents hope for a future where sex work can be conducted consensually, safely, and without fear of persecution.
- While the new law has been warmly welcomed by many, organizations like Isala argue that it encourages pimping and compromises the safety of sex workers, sparking a debate that may ultimately reach the constitutional court.
