THE HAGUE, 27/07/06 - Homosexual ballroom dancing couples are not allowed to participate in the mixed competition, the district court in The Hague ruled yesterday. The court thus rejected a recommendation by the Equal Treatment Commission (CGB).

The judge considers that the Netherlands Dance Union (NADB) is not guilty of discrimination by not allowing same-sex couples in the mixed competition. The court takes into account that the differences in strength between homosexual and heterosexual couples could influence performance and the judging.

Leo van Buitenen and Kees Notenboom, two men, are among the top at ballroom dancing competitions for same-sex couples. They wanted to participate from September in the mixed competition because it is stronger.

On one occasion last season, the couple was given an exemption by the NADB and allowed to participate in the mixed competition. The dance union has however announced that it will no longer allow this toleration construction.

The Equal Treatment Commission ruled in 2004 that NADB's exclusion of same-sex partners was discriminatory. The court does not agree, because homosexuals and lesbians are indeed able to participate in mixed competitions - as long as they do so with someone of the other sex. Further, there is still too much lack of clarity on the alleged physical advantage that a homosexual dancing couple has over a heterosexual couple.