Risk of ‘world first’ sex work law revealed

An Australian sex worker has spoken out after a European country revealed a “world first” law impacting the industry.

An Australian sex worker has spoken out after a European country revealed a “world first” law impacting the industry.

Belgium’s new law affording sex workers the same rights and protections as other employees came into affect this week. It means contracted sex workers have access to maternity leave, sick pay and health insurance.

Belgium decriminalised sex work in 2022. But, until now, it existed in a grey area.

Mel Meliciouss said she was “proud to be a Belgium sex worker”.

“This is a very important step for us as sex workers. [Employers] cannot force you to do something you don’t want to do,” she said.

Nova Hawthorne is a sex worker. Picture: Instagram/@nova_hawthorne

MORE: Know your rights: discrimination at work

Nova Hawthorne, an Australian adult worker, said the law changes were a “significant step” for full-service workers in establishments or agencies.

“Granting sex workers the same rights and protections as other workers comes down to ensuring safe working conditions and accepting sex work as legitimate work,” she told news.com.au.

“The law changes recognise that sex workers are often at higher risk of exploitation by employers. This brings sex work in line with employment and labour laws that apply to any other industry.”

Ms Hawthorne pointed out that while most of Australia has decriminalised sex work, many — particularly independent contactors — aren’t given the same rights as other employees.

“It’s important to remember that Belgium’s law changes only cover brothel workers and it doesn’t extend to other types of sex work, such as independent sex workers, strippers, or online entertainers,” she said.

She weighed in on Belgium's law. Picture: Instagram/@nova_hawthorne

MORE: Are you happy at work?

“If a system like Belgium’s were introduced in Australia without proper safeguards, it could have some downsides. It might end up giving more rights to employers than to workers.”

She said employers could use licensing requirements and strict workplace rules to control workers and creating power imbalances.

“For example, workers might feel pressured to work under specific conditions or in particular locations, which would limit their autonomy,” she said.

Ms Hawthorne added it also excluded workers who work independently, online or outside of formal workplaces. These laws could push them into more dangerous situations. She added that it’s important changes don’t force workers into a system that doesn’t work for them.

She also spoke about if it could work in Australia. Picture: Instagram/@nova_hawthorne

“While the aim is to improve safety and fairness, we would need to be very careful that the laws don’t unintentionally harm the people they are meant to protect,” she said.

Ms Hawthorne is no stranger to facing discrimination due to her work. She felt pressured to leave her studies when the university caught wind of her job. She’s also been rejected for business credit cards — even though she was running a legitimate business.

“In some workplaces while working as a stripper, I’ve been told I can’t take payments via electronic methods, only in cash, even though this is standard practice for other businesses,” she said.

“I’ve also experienced poor treatment from management in brothels and strip clubs when trying to take action for worker safety and rights. When workers try to unite or advocate for better conditions, there’s often resistance, as if our voices don’t matter or our concerns aren’t valid.

“This kind of discrimination makes it harder to push for positive change and fight for the rights sex workers deserve.”

Originally published as Risk of ‘world first’ sex work law revealed