Belgium on Sunday passed a landmark law granting sex workers the same rights as other workers.

The new law ensures that sex workers are treated as employees, entitling them to benefits such as maternity leave, pension contributions, and legal safeguards against exploitation.

The decision is a result of months of protests in 2022, prompted by the lack of state support for sex workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The historic change aims to offer sex workers greater legal recognition and workplace protections, marking a first for any country worldwide.