18/03/2026
Happy 4 Years of Decrim! (Fr and NL in the comments)
On the night of March 17–18th, 2022, the Belgian Parliament approved the decriminalization of s·x work.
This marked a historic moment for the s·x workers’ movement, following years of fierce political campaigning. The legislative change paved the way for the recognition of s·x work as work, for a reduction in stigma, for greater autonomy and freedom of choice, for equal and guaranteed rights and for the empowerment of s*x workers. It put an end to decades of hypocrisy.
The discussion could finally focus on safety, equality and rights for s·x workers, rather than endless moral and ideological debates that stood in the way of any solution.
Over the past four years, we have achieved other important milestones. The progress made exceeded our expectations. However, stigma and discrimination remain. The most vulnerable continue to face exclusion, uncertainty, and significant risks. There is an urgent need for solutions for s·x workers with precarious residence. And there is still opposition to our movement.
Those who want to take away s·x workers’ rights are not giving up. Our battle continues.
“We need ethics, not morality. Objective facts and intellectual honesty, not hysterical panic-mongering. We hope our example will soon be followed, in the interest of hundreds of thousands worldwide who suffer from stigmatization, arbitrariness, and lawlessness.” Vincent Van Quickenborne, then Belgian Minister of Justice, on March 18th 2022, in the Belgian Parliament.
