Minister Brings Muslims Along to Gay Parade
THE HAGUE, 30/07/13 - Campaigners for gay rights within Muslim groups will sail through the Amsterdam canals with Emancipation Minister Jet Bussemaker in the annual Gay Parade on 3 August.
The recognition and acceptance of homosexuality is particularly low within Turkish and Moroccan communities, research by the Social and Cultural Planning Bureau (SCP) shows. Bussemaker wants to signal that people have the right to be gay, “no matter what your roots.” The SCP study showed that three-quarters of the Turkish and Moroccan Dutch would have a problem if their child had a same-sex partner. Less than one-third would accept gay marriage. Invited passengers on Bussemaker’s boat will include representatives of Turkish, Moroccan, Surinamese, Antillean and Hindustani consultative bodies and partnerships and support points for homosexual immigrant youths. Additionally, the Turkish-Dutch homosexual activist Döne Fil will be on board. |