Outrage as Friesland decides against rainbow policy

In Friesland, there is an indignant response to the provincial government's intention not to implement a rainbow policy. For that reason, eight people spoke out against the plan from the Provincial Executive during a commission meeting of the Provincial states.

The Provincial Executive decided on January 16th that they would actively implement a rainbow policy as "that is not a job for the province." Therefore, there was supposedly no budget for it. This instantly led to criticism from parties and civil organizations. In 2022, a motion was passed in the Provincial Council to actively implement a rainbow policy. Yearly, a budget of 50,000 euros was meant to be made available for it. A rainbow policy means the province must actively commit itself to emancipation, social safety, and acceptance.

Several people and organizations will express their concerns on Wednesday. The campaign was set up by the discrimination and diversity knowledge center Tûmba and the Frisian television presenter Sipke Jan Bousema. The safety coordinator of the COC Friesland has spoken about people who need help in difficult situations. A non-binary student from a middle school in Leeuwarden will speak, as will the parents of two lhbti-kids and the Frisian dragqueen Curvalicious Diamond. There will also be a letter read by pastor Ulbe Tjallingii of the protestant church in Harlingen, written on behalf of the Working Group on Faith & Homosexuality Friesland.