Sex workers protest for equal rights

18 October 2005

BRUSSELS — Prostitutes from across the European Union staged a protest outside the European Parliament in Brussels on Monday to demand equal rights.

The estimated 120 sex workers from 23 EU member states demanded equal rights, such as social security that ‘normal’ workers enjoy across the union.

The sex workers — both men and women — also said they want the same workplace protection as all other workers.

The demonstrators stressed that they are working voluntarily in the sex industry and would like to be known as ‘sex workers’.

Demonstration organiser Ruth Morgan Thomas said more and more laws are being enacted across Europe that disadvantage prostitutes and the sex industry.

She said legislation varies from country to country. In the Czech Republic and the Netherlands, for example, prostitution is legalised.

The European Parliament will now examine a declaration of demands drawn up by the protestors.

Subject: Belgian news