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Belgium Becomes First Country to Grant Full Labor Rights to S£x Workers
S£x workers in Belgium can now have job contracts that allows them to be entitled to health insurance, pensions, sick leave, and maternity leave.
Belgium is the first country in the world to pass a law to give labour rights to s£x workers.
The move follows the country’s 2022 decision to decriminalize s£x work.
Under the new regulations, s£x workers will have access to health insurance, paid leave, maternity benefits, unemployment support and pensions. The legislation also establishes rules on working hours, pay and safety measures, addressing a long-standing gap in legal protections for those in the industry.
“This is an incredible step forward,” said Isabelle Jaramillo, coordinator of Espace P, an advocacy group involved in drafting the legislation. “It means their profession can finally be recognized as legitimate by the Belgian state.”
“From the employer’s perspective, this will also be a revolution. They’ll have to apply for a state authorization to hire s£x workers,” Jaramillo said.
“Under the previous legislation, hiring someone for s£x work automatically made you a pimp, even if the arrangement was consensual,” said Jaramillo. “Now, They’ll have to apply for state authorization to hire employees.”
Employers must now obtain authorization, adhere to strict safety protocols, and meet background requirements, including no prior convictions for s£xual assault or human trafficking. They must provide clean linens, condoms, and hygiene products, and install emergency buttons in workspaces.
Independent s£x work remains permitted, but unregulated third-party hiring or violations of the legal framework will be prosecuted.
Critics argue the law cannot fully address the stigma and risks tied to the trade, especially for undocumented s£x workers.
“There’s still a lot of work to be done,” said Jaramillo, emphasizing the need for better police and judicial training to protect marginalized workers.
While countries such as Germany and the Netherlands have legalized s£x work, none have implemented labor protections as comprehensive as Belgium’s.
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has stepped in to call for immediate action in the case of Segun Olowookere, an indigene who was sentenced to death for stealing a fowl.
Recall Segun’s mother, Folashade Olowookere, emotionally shared the story of her son, who is currently imprisoned, during an interview on Nollywood actress Biola Adebayo’s YouTube podcast. The video gained significant attention, including from Governor Adeleke.
Naijablitznews reports this was contained in a statement from the Governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke directed a swift investigation and ordered that steps be taken for a potential pardon in Segun’s case. The Governor further instructed the Attorney General to ensure Segun is considered for the prerogative of mercy before the year ends.
The statement read, “I have reviewed the case and acknowledge the importance of the separation of powers in our democracy. In this instance, I have instructed the Commissioner for Justice to begin the process of granting mercy to this young man.
“Osun is a state of justice and fairness. We must uphold the protection of lives and ensure equity.
“I want to assure the public that this matter is receiving my personal attention, and we are acting with urgency as a responsible government.”
The Delta State House of Assembly, on Tuesday, recalled two of its members that were suspended in November over alleged gross misconduct.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the recall was announced during plenary in Asaba by the Speaker, Mr Dennis Guwor.
Recall that the Assembly had on November 6 suspended Mr Dafe Chukudi (PDP-Ukwuani) for 14 legislative days over alleged gross misconduct, while Mr Oboro Preyor (PDP-Bomadi) was also suspended for 14 legislative days for the same offense on November 12.
“Dear colleagues, following the allegation of gross misconduct against our suspended members and subsequently, a committee on investigation headed by the Deputy Speaker, Mr Arthur Akpowowo, was set up.
“The committee has commenced investigation. However, the 14 days that they were suspended has elapsed. And by the confidence you all reposed in me as the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, and now that the 14 days of their suspension has elapsed, there is need to recall Mr Dafe Chukudi and Mr Oboro Preyor to resume their duties as members going forward.
“The suspended members are hereby recalled pending on the outcome of their investigative committee.”
Meanwhile, the Deputy Speaker, Mr Arthur Akpowowo, expressed joy over the recall of the lawmakers, saying, “I am very happy that we have lifted their suspension.
“The Speaker has recalled them so that they can celebrate the Christmas with joy and even enter the New Year with some relief of happiness. For me, this is a party gift for me even though I’m not affected.”
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