A new law in Belgium celebrated by activists for providing a “labour contract” to prostitutes will also enable their pimps to punish them with a government mediator if they refuse sex more than 10 times in a six-month period. The Belgian Parliament voted for the law on May 3, with 93 in favor, zero opposed, and 33 abstentions.
Prostitutes are to be granted “rights” to refuse sexual acts, stop sexual acts, perform sexual acts in the manner they prefer, and refuse to sit behind Amsterdam-style windows (public facing windows where prostitutes are on display). However, should a prostitute use these “rights” 10 times within six months, their pimp can then call on a government mediator to intervene.
Andrea Heinz, a prostitution abolition advocate, called out the new legislation on X (formerly Twitter).
“There is little chance this will (actually) favour women. Under legalization/full decrim, pimps become ‘managers’ with the backing of the state to further entrench and maintain their power. Pimps see women they sell as products, not people deserving of full dignity & respect.”
Belgian Government Will Intervene In Cases Where Prostitutes Refuse Sexual Acts Too Often
Depressing
This is bordering on indentured labour – and runs directly counter to contract law: specific performance in such bodily invasive and psychically exploitative ‘engagement’ is extraordinary. Back to the drawing board, boys.