Seven Dutch parties pledge stronger LGBTQ+ rights and protections

Seven Dutch parties signed COC’s new rainbow election pact, known in Dutch as the rainbow election pact (regenboog-stembusakkoord), on Saturday, pledging stronger protection, equality, and human rights for LGBTQ+ people in the next cabinet term, NRC reports. GroenLinks-PvdA, CDA, D66, VVD, SP, Partij voor de Dieren, and Volt endorsed the pact — the fifth consecutive Tweede Kamer election where parties have done so.

In 2023, BIJ1 and 50Plus also signed, but they did not this year for unclear reasons. “In these times of growing hate, violence, and discrimination, it’s heartening that these parties stand together for the rainbow community — from left to right, despite their differences,” said COC director Marie Ricardo.

The pact largely repeats earlier commitments. Most signatories said they would support the transgender law rejected by the Schoof cabinet if it returns to the Tweede Kamer. CDA and VVD again promised only a “positive and constructive attitude” during future debates.

Parties also want a legal option to change gender registration from M or V to X, which CDA said it will “carefully consider.” All agreed schools should promote respect and acceptance of LGBTQ+ students.

VVD was the only signatory refusing to back a call to stop rejecting LGBTQ+ asylum seekers based on “harmful stereotypes,” such as requiring proof of a “self-awareness process.” Nieuw Sociaal Contract (NSC) did not sign but attended the group’s election debate.