SGP leadership opposes proposal to allow women in political roles

The leadership of the conservative Christian party SGP (Reformed Political Party) has advised against a proposal from its Vlissingen branch to allow women to hold political and administrative positions. The proposal, which will be voted on by party branches at the congress on Saturday, May 24, seeks to modify the party's foundational program.

The Vlissingen branch suggests altering the program to allow women to decide for themselves whether a political or administrative role is "appropriate," with the decision made "in consideration of her God-given place."

In 2013, the SGP amended its statutes to allow women to run for political office, following court rulings that the party's previous ban on female candidates was unconstitutional. However, the party's members voted to maintain the stance in the non-binding foundational program, stating that women should not hold political office.

In a statement, the party's leadership explained that it does "not consider it wise to revisit this widely supported position" that was established in the past.