The COC is calling on the Netherlands to lead the fight for LGBTQ+ rights again. The advocacy group said this in an interview with the Volkskrant. The Netherlands played this role well in the past. But now it is falling behind, the COC states.

Many countries once followed the Netherlands as an example. We were among the first with equal marriage and strong anti-discrimination laws. But the world keeps moving forward. Other countries are progressing now. Meanwhile, the Netherlands is stalling or even going backwards, says the COC. This is unacceptable, the organisation believes.

The COC sees several problems. Transgender people still face many challenges. Workplace discrimination happens regularly. And at school, gay and bisexual young people are often bullied. The COC also wants more support for asylum seekers who flee because of their sexual orientation.

The organisation wants the government and parliament to spend more money on education and protection. The Netherlands must show it cares about these people. This will also help fight homophobia in society, the COC argues.