Equal rights for LGBTIQ+ people

What does LGBTIQ+ stand for?

The letters LGBTIQ stand for lesbian women, gay men, bi+ people, transgender people, intersex people and queer people. The + stands for other categories of people who are not cisgender or heterosexual.

Measures promoting equal treatment of LGBTIQ+ people

Central government is taking the following measures to combat discrimination and promote equal treatment: 

Appointing a National Coordinator against Discrimination and Racism

This coordinator ensures that ministries, municipalities, advisory bodies, the police and other agencies throughout the Netherlands improve coordination on combating discrimination against LGBTIQ+ people (website in Dutch) and others. 

Informing public servants about discrimination in education, culture, media, science and academia

As part of the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science’s antidiscrimination and antiracism programme, public servants who formulate policy on education, culture, media, science and academia will do more to share information with each other on discrimination against LGBTIQ+ people. 

More awareness of LGBTIQ+ people in the healthcare sector

Doctors and other healthcare professionals must receive better and more specific information about medical complaints and conditions affecting LGBTIQ+ people. Many LGBTIQ+ people avoid visiting their family doctor because they are ashamed or afraid, or have previously had difficult encounters with a doctor. Central government supports the Gezondheidszorg op Maat alliance, which shares knowledge on gender- and LGBTIQ+-sensitive healthcare. One example of this is the website Komt een mens bij de dokter (in Dutch), which offers patients advice on accessing the care they need and advises healthcare professionals on how to provide it. 

Transgender people can change their gender on their birth certificate

Since 2022, transgender people have been able to have their gender changed on their birth certificate. This means they can also change it on their passport, driving licence and diplomas. To do this, they need a statement from a doctor, psychologist or psychotherapist to do this. 

Marriage officials not permitted to refuse their services

Since 2014, marriage officials have not been permitted to refuse to marry same-sex couples. This is laid down in the Equal Treatment Act (in Dutch).

More measures

More measures relating to equal rights for LGBTIQ+ people are detailed at Emancipatienota.nl. 

Raising the issue of sexual and gender diversity in the Caribbean Netherlands

The government aims to increase acceptance of homosexuality in the Caribbean Netherlands. The government supports the LGBTIQ+ community on Bonaire, St Eustatius, Saba, Curacao, Aruba and St Maarten through the Pink Orange Alliance, in which LGBTIQ+ people from the local community work together with the COC, the oldest LGBTI organization in the world. 

Equal rights for LGBTIQ+ people worldwide

Homosexuality is a criminal offence in over 70 countries around the world. In some countries, same-sex acts are punishable by death. LGBTIQ+ people worldwide are often afraid to report violence to the police. They are worried they will be identified as LGBTIQ+.

The Dutch government is committed to promoting equal rights for LGBTIQ+ people worldwide. The Netherlands urges all countries to: 

• decriminalise homosexuality
• combat discrimination and violence against LGBTIQ+ people
• encourage acceptance of LGBTIQ+ people.

Measures relating to equal rights for LGBTIQ+ people worldwide

Dutch central government:

• works with other countries in the Equal Rights Coalition to achieve equal rights for LGBTIQ+ people;
• ensures that equal rights for LGBTIQ+ people is a top priority at international organisations, including the United Nations (UN), the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OCSE), the Council of Europe (CoE) and the European Union (EU);
• enters into strategic partnerships with organisations that support local LGBTIQ+ organisations;
• supports local LGBTIQ+ organisations through embassies;
• supports projects promoting rights for LGBTIQ+ people through the Human Rights Fund. For an overview of projects see the Human Rights Report (in Dutch) which is submitted to parliament each year; 
• raises awareness of the importance of equal rights for LGBTIQ+ people on the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia held on 17 May each year. This is done via the Netherlands’ embassy network. 

Awards for LGBTIQ+ equality

The Dutch government supports people and organisations committed to equality by awarding prizes. The government supports their work, and recognises it by awarding prizes every 2 years: the Jos Brink awards for outstanding achievement and for innovation (in Dutch).