The Laws are Changing
So this week I came across two news articles both on new laws surrounding sex work. Considering my own campaign to amend the Equality Act 2010 to include professions in the protected characteristics, I found both articles encouraging to say the least. The first article was from the BBC concerning the new laws in Belgium, “I had to work while I was nine months pregnant” was the opening statement from a Belgian sex worker. I was shocked. It went on, “When Sophie had her fifth Caesarean, she was told she needed bed rest for six weeks. But she says that wasn’t an option, and she went back to work immediately.” Again, shocked. I just couldn’t imagine being in such a position after having a baby. However, under new laws in Belgium, sex workers will now be entitled to official employment contracts, health insurance, pensions, maternity leave and sick days. Belgium is clearly leading the way when it comes to law reform within the sex industry.
Naturally, I began to reflect on my own experiences as a sex worker and the times when I had to work when I was sick. I distinctly remember working with a burning temperature and swollen tonsils, going from one booking to the next with the agonising pain of tonsilitis (something I was prone to since my teenage years but has now vanished since I stopped drinking). I remember one client saying to me, ‘you are burning up, you shouldn’t be working.’ He was a regular and was kind enough to let me rest. But it was the pressure of the looming tax bill that forced me to continue working when I was unwell. I understand that this may not be an exclusive issue for sex workers but perhaps universal for those who are self-employed. However, I could not help but feel a sense of relief reading this article knowing how much it will help sex workers in the long run to make better choices and feel less pressure to work when sick or even pregnant. It certainly feels like a new day is dawning in the industry. And about time too.
Another article, from the Guardian, focused on Juanita in Melbourne who had quit her job at a brothel. She then started working from home but then found herself facing eviction. Sex work in Victoria, Australia was legalised in 2023. And as the Guardian states, “Legal protections which came into effect in 2022, also make it illegal to discriminate against a person based on their involvement in the sex industry.” But on the flip side to all of this, there have been cuts to funding and the changes in the laws remain widely unknown. Which then brings me to think about the importance of follow through. Especially with my own campaign. Changing the laws is one thing and yes, it is a very important step in the right direction. However, beyond that we also need to further educate and raise awareness on these new laws so that people like Juanita don’t have to go through such a distressing situation in being threatened with eviction. But good for her in standing her ground and knowing her rights. That’s what we need to see more of when it comes to sex work. And as I’ve said before, it’s the shame that keeps us silent. But if we can all remove the shame, stand tall and fight for our rights as well as our own place in society then we are opening up a new pathway for sex workers now and in the future. Following through with these new laws is crucial if we are to help sex workers feel more accepted in the long run.
I feel that this is a real turning point within the sex industry where we are now seeing new, progressive laws being introduced around the world. These new laws will not only better protect sex workers but also show them that it’s ok to exist and as a result, will hopefully bring them out of those shadows.
As Juanita in Melbourne says, “I have done nothing wrong.” Indeed, she has done nothing wrong at all.
You can read the full articles here:
“Belgium’s sex workers get maternity leave and pensions under world-first law.”
“Juanita quit her job at a Melbourne brothel to work from home. Now she’s being evicted.”