Zoekresultaten: netherlands

• Conversion therapy now punishable in the Netherlands

  Jun 17, 2026 Marc Dirix

  The Dutch Senate on Tuesday approved a ban on conversion therapy. The new law prohibits treatments that claim to "cure" a person of their sexual orientation or gender identity. COC Netherlands welcomed the decision and described it as a victory for survivors.

  "At last, justice for victims who often suffer the consequences of conversion practices for the rest of their lives," said COC chair Myrtille Danse following the Senate's decision. "At last, a clear message: 'being cured' is a myth, you are fine the way you are, and attempts to 'cure' people are now prohibited and punishable."

  The bill was introduced by D66, VVD, PvdA, SP and the Party for the Animals. According to the parties, so-called conversion therapies cause serious harm. The lawmakers point to scientific research linking such practices to depression, mental health problems, social difficulties and, in some cases, suicide attempts.

  The new law bans attempts to change the sexual orientation or gender identity of children and vulnerable adults. Violations can result in prison sentences of up to two years, and practitioners may be barred from their profession. Advertising for conversion practices will also be prohibited.

  Conversion practices do not change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity, but they can cause severe harm. Research shows they may lead to lifelong trauma, depression and suicidal thoughts.

  Dutch LGBTQ+ advocacy group COC has campaigned for a ban on conversion practices for around fifteen years. "Your entire identity is broken down. That trauma never goes away," said Jacques Zonne, describing the impact of conversion practices. He was confined for two years in an attempt to "cure" his homosexuality and gathered 8,000 signatures in support of a ban.

  There are still at least fifteen providers of conversion practices operating in the Netherlands. Thousands of people are affected by them. These practices range from "therapies", holiday camps, seminars and workshops to faith healing and exorcisms.

  Conversion practices are already banned in Germany, France, Belgium, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Malta and Cyprus. Human rights bodies, from the United Nations to the Council of Europe, have called on countries to outlaw conversion practices. The European Commission has also urged governments to introduce such bans.

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• Controversy over the organization of the Mister Gay Europe pageant in Amsterdam

  Jul 21, 2025 Marc Dirix

  Controversy has erupted around the Mister Gay Europe competition, scheduled to take place on August 1st in Amsterdam. While the official social media accounts of the event have been introducing the contestants and first jury members, the Mister Gay Europe organization (MGEO) has announced it is severing all ties with YDS Events, the company of Bram Bierkens responsible for organizing the Amsterdam edition. “To our great disappointment, we had to learn through a press release just one week before the event that the 'MGE Office' was ending the collaboration,” YDS Events responded. Despite MGEO’s threat not to officially recognize the winner in Amsterdam, the event will go ahead as planned.

  Mister Gay Europe was first organized in 2005 by Morten Rudå and Tore Aasheim during EuroPride in Oslo. In the years that followed, the event was held in various countries by national organizers under MGEO’s supervision. Two years ago, the competition was put on pause to be reimagined. As a result, Tim Kusters’ title was extended until August this year, and it was announced that the next election would take place in the Netherlands, with a follow-up cruise edition in 2025. Bram Bierkens, known for organizing Mister Gay Belgium, and his company YDS Events were chosen to host the Dutch edition. The grand final is scheduled for August 1st on Dam Square.

  That is, until now. On Monday evening, MGEO issued a press release cutting ties with Bierkens and YDS Events, stating that the Amsterdam event would no longer be recognized as an official Mister Gay Europe competition. Consequently, the winner will not be acknowledged as Mister Gay Europe. The statement claims YDS Events failed to meet contractual obligations, did not sign the license, and refused to share information about sponsorships, financial records, or participant agreements. MGEO also criticized the exclusion of long-time human rights lawyer and jury member Coenie Kukkuk and objected to the reintroduction of the swimwear segment, reportedly included due to a sponsorship deal that MGEO was not allowed to review.

  In response, Bram Bierkens denies the allegations and insists the event will proceed. He blames the communication breakdown on MGEO. “For over a year, we have poured our hearts into preparing MGE 2025 Amsterdam – with a strong program, unique locations, excellent hotel and restaurant partners, and a spectacular final show on Dam Square,” YDS Events stated. “We aimed to build more than just a pageant – we wanted to create a meaningful platform.”

  To protect their work and the future of the project, YDS Events announced they had registered the “Mr. Gay Europe” trademark and logo, which had not yet been officially claimed. “For all involved in MGE 2025 Amsterdam, nothing changes,” said Bierkens. “The event will proceed as planned – with full support from MainStage Pride Amsterdam, former winners, and our growing network of partners.”

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• Minor trans woman dies in Dutch asylum centre

  Apr 2, 2025 Marc Dirix

  At the Dutch asylum centre in Ter Apel, a 17-year-old transgender woman who had fled from Russia has died. This was reported by the Dutch organisation LGBT Asylum Support on its website. The organisation has now sent an urgent open letter for the twelfth time to Minister for Asylum and Migration Faber (PVV).

  Alice applied for asylum in the Netherlands in December 2023, after fleeing her home country. Despite being a minor, she was placed in a shelter for adults, without the appropriate guidance or protection. On 28 December 2023, she became the victim of rape at the facility.

  Despite repeated reports of her suicidal ideation, she initially received insufficient care from COA (the Dutch Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers). After being transferred to the Amsterdam asylum centre, her condition deteriorated due to neglect and lack of support, ultimately leading to her death on 27 March 2025.“It is unacceptable that a minor was left to fend for herself in a facility meant for adults,” emphasised Sandro Kortekaas, chair of LGBT Asylum Support.

   

  The organisation is calling on the government to launch a thorough investigation, and advocates for separate accommodation with intensive care for vulnerable LGBTIQ+ asylum seekers, especially for queer minors, to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

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