THE HAGUE, 09/09/06 - The Netherlands is still tolerant towards homosexuality. Although foreigners hold a more negative attitude towards homosexuals than indigenous Dutch people, it cannot be said that tolerance among the population as a whole has diminished, the Social and Cultural Planning Office (SCP) concludes in a study presented Friday.

SCP observes that only one in ten people in the Netherlands hold a negative attitude towards gays living together. In addition, 22 percent are opposed to the fact that gay couples can get married. No more than 34 percent reject the notion of child adoption by same-sex couples. Many Dutch people do, however, feel uncomfortable when gay couples express themselves openly, such as by kissing each other in public.

Eleven percent hold a negative attitude towards homosexuality. This is 51 percent among those with a Turkish background, 48 percent among Moroccans, 35 percent among Antilleans and 21 percent among Surinam people. "As yet, SCP does not observe a link between the increase in the number of foreigners in the Netherlands and the supposed decline in tolerance towards gays". But "further research is required".

SCP also inquired into homosexuality in the army. Acceptance there is equally high as in the rest of society. Nevertheless, 25 percent of gay soldiers say they are afraid to reveal their sexual orientation. These are almost exclusively men and not lesbian women.