Several Dutch officials refusing to marry gay couples
31/03/2011
Submitted by
ILGA-Europe
Original source: http://www.rnw.nl/africa/bulletin/dutch-officials-refuse-tie-gay-knot
As Dutch media have been looking back at ten years of same-sex marriage in the Netherlands, national gay rights organisation COC Netherlands has pointed to discrimination within a host of councils throughout the country.
In a letter to Prime Minister Mark Rutte, COC has highlighted the fact that officials in several municipalities still refuse to tie the knot between same-sex partners. “It would be inconceivable if municipalities were to protect officials who refuse to marry Jews or people with another skin colour,” says Chairperson Vera Bergkamp.
COC is calling on Interior Minister Piet Hein Donner to adopt legislation which would make it illegal for officials to decline performing a marriage ceremony for gay couples.
As Dutch media have been looking back at ten years of same-sex marriage in the Netherlands, national gay rights organisation COC Netherlands has pointed to discrimination within a host of councils throughout the country.
In a letter to Prime Minister Mark Rutte, COC has highlighted the fact that officials in several municipalities still refuse to tie the knot between same-sex partners. “It would be inconceivable if municipalities were to protect officials who refuse to marry Jews or people with another skin colour,” says Chairperson Vera Bergkamp.
COC is calling on Interior Minister Piet Hein Donner to adopt legislation which would make it illegal for officials to decline performing a marriage ceremony for gay couples.
