Politiek
Wereldwijd LGBTQ+ beleid, wetgeving en politieke ontwikkelingen
COC wants Netherlands to lead on LGBTQ+ rights again
The COC wants the Netherlands to lead on LGBTQ+ rights. Other countries are now overtaking us on important issues. The COC celebrates an anniversary and makes a clear statement. The Netherlands was once a leader in LGBTQ+ rights. But that role is slowly fading away. They want to change this. It is almost twenty years since the Netherlands allowed same-sex marriage. Many countries have followed us since then. But looking at current global developments, we no longer lead. Other countries are overtaking us on equal rights and gender identity recognition. The COC calls for new policies to position the Netherlands as progressive. They think of further measures for transgender people. Better…
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Quarter century: marriage for everyone
The Netherlands opened marriage for gay and lesbian couples 25 years ago first. A milestone that changed much. It feels good to pause at a…
Former equal marriage advocate elected to South Australian parliament
Jordan Hirst, who campaigned for equal marriage, was elected to South Australian parliament for One Nation. Jordan Hirst was elected to…
Former Same-Sex Marriage Activist Elected for One Nation in South Australia
Former LGBTQ+ activist Jason Virgo was elected for One Nation in South Australia. His new political choice raises questions about his…
US Supreme Court rejects conversion therapy ban
The US Supreme Court rejects a conversion therapy ban in Colorado. This could have serious consequences for LGBTQ+ youth. The US Supreme…
Canada bans ideological positions in schools
Alberta bans schools from promoting political positions. The bill sees activism in education as a…
US Supreme Court Rejects Ban on Conversion Therapy
The US Supreme Court rejects a ban on conversion therapy. The ruling may have major consequences…
Alberta wants to limit schools' 'ideological stance'
Alberta introduces law prohibiting schools discussing ideological and political issues. The…
Belarus approves law that further restricts gay and lesbian rights
Belarus approves a controversial law restricting gay and lesbian rights further. Human rights…
Librarian Fired for Refusing to Move LGBTQ+ Books
A Tennessee librarian was fired for keeping LGBTQ+ books in children's section. She says libraries…
Maryland expands protection for all students, including transgender youth
Maryland expands protection laws for students. The law bans discrimination based on gender…
Transgender Official in New York Fights Federal Pressure
Taylor Brown leads the new LGBTQ+ Affairs Bureau in New York. She wants to counter federal attacks…
US Supreme Court rejects bans on conversion therapy
The US Supreme Court rejects conversion therapy bans, causing strong protests. LGBTQ+…
Romania recognises transgender man's gender identity: important moment for transgender Europeans
Romania officially recognises a transgender man's gender identity for the first time. This is an…
Lesbian AfD leader Weidel leads far-right party to record result
Far-right AfD achieves record result in Germany with lesbian leader Alice Weidel. The party…
Many young gay and lesbian people feel invisible
Many young gay and lesbian people feel invisible at school and in their neighbourhood. COC calls schools to focus more on inclusivity. Many young people from the LGBTQ+ community struggle being themselves at school and in public spaces. This comes from research by organisation COC. Young people say they dare not speak about their sexual orientation or gender identity. They fear reactions from classmates. Many schools also do too little to create safe environments. Teachers rarely speak about gay, lesbian or transgender people. This makes young LGBTQ+ people feel alone. COC calls schools to focus more on inclusivity. This can happen by discussing the topic regularly in class. It is also…
COC closes Rainbow Agreements in 119 municipalities
COC branches have made agreements in 119 Dutch municipalities about safety and equal rights for…
COC wants Netherlands to lead again in LGBTQ+ rights
The COC calls for the Netherlands to lead in LGBTQ+ rights again. The country loses ground to other nations while discrimination remains…
COC celebrates anniversary: time to lead again
The COC celebrates its anniversary and sets future ambitions. The organisation wants Netherlands to lead again in equal rights. The COC…
Twenty-five Years of Same-sex Marriage in the Netherlands
Same-sex marriage has existed 25 years in the Netherlands. An important moment to look back…
Twenty-five years of same-sex marriage in the Netherlands
Same-sex marriage has existed 25 years in the Netherlands. An important moment to look back satisfied at achievements. Same-sex marriage…
COC celebrates milestone: time to lead again
COC celebrates a milestone and sets future ambitions. The organisation wants Netherlands to lead again in equal rights. COC celebrates a…
COC wants Netherlands to lead LGBTQ+ rights again
COC calls for Netherlands to lead LGBTQ+ rights again. The country loses ground whilst…
COC closes Rainbow Agreements in 119 municipalities
COC branches closed agreements in 119 Dutch municipalities about safety and equal rights for…
Many young gays and lesbians feel invisible
Many young gays and lesbians feel invisible at school. COC calls on schools to focus more on…
Lesbian AfD leader Weidel leads far-right party to record results
Far-right AfD achieves record result in Germany with lesbian leader Alice Weidel. The party…
Romania recognises transgender man's gender identity: important moment for transgender Europeans
Romania officially recognises a transgender man's gender identity for the first time. This is an…
UK Supreme Court Rejects Ban on Conversion Therapy
The UK Supreme Court rejects conversion therapy bans, causing strong protests. LGBTQ+…
Transgender Official in New York Fights Against Federal Pressure
Taylor Brown leads the new LGBTQ+ Affairs Bureau in New York. She wants to counter federal attacks…
Maryland expands protection for all students, including transgender youth
Maryland expands protection laws for students. The law forbids discrimination based on gender…
Librarian Sacked for Not Moving LGBTQ+ Books
A Tennessee librarian was sacked for keeping LGBTQ+ books. She says libraries should not serve…
Belarus approves law that further restricts gays and lesbians
The Belarusian parliament approves a controversial law restricting gays and lesbians. Human rights…
Alberta Will Limit Schools' 'Ideological Stance'
Alberta introduces law prohibiting schools from discussing ideological and political issues. The…
US Supreme Court Rejects Ban on Conversion Therapy
The US Supreme Court rejects a ban on conversion therapy. The ruling may have huge consequences for LGBTQ+ rights in America. The US Supreme Court rejected an important ban on conversion therapy. Colorado wanted to prohibit these controversial treatments. The ruling came with a large majority: eight judges against one. This is a major blow for LGBTQ+ organisations fighting conversion therapy. Conversion therapy is when therapists try to change sexual orientation or gender identity. Medical organisations consider this harmful and ineffective. The ruling may have huge consequences for LGBTQ+ laws across America. Many states wanted to ban conversion therapy, especially for minors. LGBTQ+…
Canada Bans Ideological Positions in Schools
Alberta bans schools from promoting political positions. The bill sees activism in education as a…
US Supreme Court Rejects Conversion Therapy Ban
The US Supreme Court rejects a conversion therapy ban. This may seriously harm LGBTQ+ youth. The US Supreme Court rejected Colorado's…
Former gay marriage activist chosen for One Nation in South Australia
Former gay activist Jason Virgo was elected for One Nation in South Australia. His new political choice raises questions about his current…
Equal Marriage Advocate Elected to South Australian Parliament
Jordan Hirst fought for equal marriage rights. He was elected to parliament for One Nation. Jordan…
Quarter Century: Marriage for Everyone
The Netherlands opened marriage for gay and lesbian couples 25 years ago as first country worldwide. A milestone that changed much. It…
COC wants Netherlands to lead in LGBTQ+ rights again
COC wants Netherlands to lead in LGBTQ+ rights again. Other countries now surpass us on important topics. COC celebrates an anniversary…
COC wants Netherlands to lead LGBTQ+ rights once more
COC calls Netherlands to lead LGBTQ+ rights once more. Other countries now overtake us, warns…
Many young gay and lesbian teenagers feel invisible
Young gay and lesbian teenagers often feel invisible at school and home. The COC asks for…
Georgia Blocks All Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill Proposals
Georgia blocked all anti-LGBTQ+ proposals during the 2026 legislative session. This is a rare…
Six Arrested at Idaho Capitol Protest Against Transgender Toilet Law
Six activists were arrested at Idaho Capitol after occupying a men's toilet. They protested a law…
Romania recognises transgender man's gender identity: important moment for Europeans
Romania officially recognises a transgender man's gender identity. This is important for…
US Supreme Court Weakens Ban on Conversion Therapy
The US Supreme Court weakens bans on conversion therapy. LGBTQ+ organisations respond with concern…
First transgender NYC LGBTQ bureau chief pressures against federal opposition
Taylor Brown leads New York's first LGBTQ Affairs Bureau. She focuses on federal pressure and…
Maryland establishes strong equal rights for all students
Maryland adopts legislation protecting all students against discrimination, including transgender…
Dismissed Library Director: 'I Would Do It Again'
A dismissed library director from Tennessee refuses to back down. She sees her dismissal as proof…
Canada introduces law against 'ideological' flags in schools
Alberta introduces bill to ban ideological statements and non-governmental flags from schools.…
US Supreme Court Rejects Ban on Conversion Therapy
The US Supreme Court rejects a state ban on conversion therapy. This ruling may have major…
Australian politician Deeming chosen for election list after all
Australian politician Moira Deeming was chosen for the Liberal Party election list. This happened shortly after her rejection over transgender rights statements. Australian Liberal politician Moira Deeming was chosen for the party's election list in Melbourne. This happened days after her rejection. The decision caused major unrest within the Liberal Party. Deeming is known for critical statements about transgender rights. This caused conflicts with party colleagues earlier. She now received delegate support for Senate pre-selection. Her opponents tried removing her from the list unsuccessfully. The change happened quickly. Days earlier her position seemed hopeless. She has now secured her…
Transgender movement goes beyond visibility alone
Transgender advocate Sally Goldner says visibility alone is not enough. The movement now focuses…
25 years ago: same-sex couples could finally marry
25 years ago, the Netherlands opened marriage to same-sex couples first. Today, same-sex couples can marry in over thirty countries.…
Many young LGBTQ+ people feel invisible in society
COC research shows many LGBTQ+ youth feel invisible in society. This lack of visibility in media, education, and public life causes mental…
Asexual people feel less accepted in society
A study shows more than half of asexual people feel less accepted. They get less visibility than…
American Teacher Says She Was Forced to Resign After Coming Out
An American teacher says she was forced to resign after telling a student she is gay. Her case shows discrimination in education still…
Turkey prosecutes young people for photos of same-sex couples
Turkey prosecutes young activists for sharing photos of same-sex couples. This fits broader tightening of LGBTQ+ rights regulations.…
Father demands 6000 pounds from son for leaving conversion therapy
An American father demands 6000 pounds from his gay son. His son left conversion therapy. The case…
Court forces hospital to resume transgender care for youth
A court forces Children's Minnesota to restart gender-related care for minors. The hospital…
American Politician Mace Criticised After Transgender Remarks
American politician Mace avoided genocide criticism by raising transgender issues. Her transgender…
Democratic victory in Nebraska may have consequences for LGBTQ+ rights
A Democratic victory in Nebraska may paradoxically help Republicans expand their power and…
Conservative Trump group requests investigation into transgender protection in Maryland schools
A group connected to Trump adviser Stephen Miller requests investigation into school transgender…
Mississippi sets strict rules for gender on driver's licences
Mississippi sets strict rules for gender on driver's licences of transgender people. The law needs…
Republicans want to ban books about transgender youth from schools
Republicans want to pass a law banning books about transgender people from schools. Opponents say…
Grenell Seeks Russian Ambassador Role Despite LGBTQ Rights Concerns
Richard Grenell potentially wants to become US ambassador to Russia. This raises questions given…
Alberta limits rights for gay and transgender people
Alberta introduces controversial measures affecting gays and transgender people. Critics see this…
Feminist: we need more complainers, not fewer
Researcher Sara Ahmed believes organisations must pay more attention to complainers. They help…
Feminist Scholar Ahmed: We Need More People Speaking Up
Feminist Sara Ahmed encourages more people to criticise in organisations. Complaining is not…
American politicians fighting gays wore women's clothes themselves
Two American Congress members opposing gays wore drag in school. Old yearbook photos reveal this contradiction. Old yearbook photos show two American Congress members opposing gays and transgender people. Yet they wore women's clothing in school. The Advocate magazine found these photos in school archives. The images raise questions about their current positions. Both are Republicans opposing LGBTQ+ rights recently. Their school photos show a very different image. This happens often in American politics. It shows the tension between current statements and past actions. The photos spread widely on social media now. They spark discussions about political hypocrisy. Both have not yet…
Coffee Chain Philz Coffee Removes Rainbow Flags and Faces Strong Opposition
Coffee chain Philz Coffee removes rainbow flags from stores for unity. Over 6,750 people signed…
Coffee Chain Philz Removes Rainbow Flags: Heavy Criticism
Coffee chain Philz Coffee removes rainbow flags from all stores. Thousands of customers and employees signed a petition against the…
Study: LGBTQ+ employees still face much more discrimination
A large Australian study proves LGBTQ+ employees face more discrimination. Companies have much work ahead. New research in Australia shows…
25 years equal marriage: Netherlands celebrates milestone
Netherlands celebrates today that marriage opened for everyone 25 years ago. A milestone many…
COC wants Netherlands to lead again in LGBT rights
COC uses its milestone to call Netherlands to lead in LGBT rights. The organisation sees much work, both in Netherlands and worldwide. The…
COC wants Netherlands to lead in LGBTQ+ rights again
COC wants the Netherlands to lead in LGBTQ+ rights again. The organisation sees the Netherlands falling behind. Politicians must do more…
Minister Phillipson: EHRC guideline does not apply at workplace
Minister Phillipson says the new EHRC guideline does not apply to workplaces. This still gives…
American FBI receives new budget targeting 'gender extremism'
The American FBI receives a new budget targeting 'gender extremism'. It classifies gay and…
Worker sentenced to 6 years prison under new gay law
A 24-year-old man was sentenced to six years in prison in ten days. Human rights groups criticise…
Trump uses transgender issues mainly for applause
Trump uses transgender issues mainly to create political support. Applause from his supporters…
New American law requires doctors to report transgender patient data
An American Republican law requires doctors to report transgender patients to government. Medical…
Parents Complain About School's Transgender-Inclusive Toilet Policy
Parents sue a school because transgender students use the same toilets as girls. The school says…
Parents in Wisconsin Sue Schools Over Transgender Bathroom Policy
Conservative parents in Wisconsin sued a school district over its policy. The policy allows…
West Hollywood leads with new family laws
West Hollywood now recognises families with different structures. California must follow quickly…
Lebanese LGBTQ organisation Helem offers support during new war
The Lebanese LGBTQ organisation Helem helps during war not only gay and transgender people, but…
Two men appointed to senior positions in US government
Todd Blanche and Markwayne Mullin get senior US government positions. Their LGBTQ+ views raise…
Whitman-Walker Health honours law firm for free legal aid
Whitman-Walker Health awards a law firm for forty years free legal aid. The health centre…
Puerto Rico: Court Reviews Recognition of Non-Binary Persons
The First Court of Appeal in Puerto Rico handles a case about non-binary person recognition on identity documents. The court examines if the letter X as gender marker must be allowed. The First Court of Appeal in Puerto Rico handles a case about non-binary person recognition. This is an important step in the lawsuit about the 'X' on identity documents. In Puerto Rico, people currently choose between man or woman on official papers. Non-binary persons cannot fully recognise themselves in these two options. They want a third option: the letter X as gender marker. The First Court of Appeal now examines if the government must allow this option. The case concerns constitutional rights and…
Age verification on social media: risks for trans Canadians
Canada wants to require age verification on social media. Trans persons fear problems with…
Canada's social media age control harms transgender people
Canada wants to require age verification on social media. This harms transgender people because facial recognition and ID requirements can…
European Parliament Divided Over New LGBTQ+ Resolution
The European Parliament debates an LGBTQ+ resolution wanting to combat discrimination harder. Dutch politicians are divided about the…
Twenty-five years married: marriage for everyone
The Netherlands remembers a special milestone: 25 years ago the country opened marriage. It was…
COC reflects on anniversary: 'Britain can lead in equal rights'
The COC reflects on its anniversary and calls Britain to lead in equal rights for LGBTQ+ people. Much work remains, the organisation says.…
Senegal sentences man to six years under new gay law
Senegal sentences man to six years under new gay law. The ruling is first under stricter rules and shows how quickly country enforces law.…
Australian judge permits lesbian group to exclude trans women
An Australian judge permits a lesbian group to exclude trans women for five years. This raises…
Australian judge: lesbian organisation can exclude transgender women
An Australian judge rules a lesbian organisation can exclude transgender women from events. The…
Criminals Profit from Fake Asylum Applications by Gay People
Criminals profit from fake asylum applications by gay people. This makes it much harder for real…
Minister Removed from Podcast Because of Gay Identity
An American ordained minister was removed from a Christian podcast at the last moment. She is gay.…
Canadian age ban on social media harms transgender people
Canada wants to ban social media for minors. But age verification with facial recognition and ID…
Age verification on social media: risks for transgender Canadians
Canada is considering introducing age verification on social media. This creates privacy and…
Court Sends Transgender Women Case Back to Tribunal
An Australian federal court sent a case back to tribunal. It involves transgender women and a…
Australia: Should the state compensate gay people for historical persecution?
Victoria in Australia considers compensation for gay people. The state allowed serious injustice…
COC Wants Netherlands to Lead Again in Equal Rights
COC calls for more work on equal rights. The organisation wants Netherlands to lead, not follow.…
119 councils sign rainbow agreement with COC
COC made agreements with 119 councils for safety. Councils promise better supervision of…
Senegal Condemns Man to Six Years Prison Under New Anti-Gay Law
Senegal announced its first conviction under the new anti-gay law. A man near Dakar received six…
Australian judge allows lesbian group to exclude trans women
Australian judge allows lesbian group to exclude trans women for five years. This ends years of legal battle about equal treatment. An Australian federal judge made an important ruling. The Lesbian Action Group from Melbourne can exclude trans women. This happens after years of legal battles about equal treatment. The lesbian organisation fights for an exception to discrimination law. They want to work exclusively for cisgender women. The group says this is necessary for safety and community building. Opponents say this is discrimination against trans women. The case received much attention in Australia. Trans rights supporters say this is a serious setback. They argue trans women are full…
Australian judge: lesbian organisation can exclude transgender and bisexual women
An Australian judge rules a lesbian organisation can exclude transgender and bisexual women. The…
Fake asylum claims damage real LGBTQ+ refugees
Criminal networks earn money with fake asylum requests from gays and lesbians. This harms real LGBTQ+ refugees needing protection. An…
Preacher Removed from Podcast After Announcing Gay Identity
An experienced preacher is removed from a podcast after revealing she is gay. The organisation had not properly researched her beforehand.…
Senegal issues first conviction under new homosexuality law
Senegal issues its first conviction under the new law. The law punishes homosexual relationships.…
Canadian age control on social media harms transgender people
Canada's age verification plan on social media mainly harms transgender people. Facial recognition and ID checks endanger safety and…
Australian Court Refers Lesbian Group Case Back to Tribunal
The Australian federal court refers a case back to the tribunal. The Lesbian Action Group had challenged a ruling preventing them from…
Pride Flag Returns to Stonewall After Being Removed
The Pride flag returned to Stonewall National Monument after officials removed it. Community…
Why Carney's Election Win May Not Help LGBTQ+ People
Mark Carney's Liberals won a majority government in Canada. They have strong political power now.…
EHRC guidance does not cover workplaces, minister confirms
Minister Bridget Phillipson confirms new EHRC guidance does not apply to workplaces. Employers…
Idaho governor signs law requiring schools to tell parents about trans students
Idaho Governor Brad Little signed a law requiring teachers and doctors to tell parents within 72…
Australian court lets lesbian group exclude trans women from events
An Australian Federal Court allowed a Melbourne lesbian group to exclude trans women from events…
Senegal jails man for six years under new anti-LGBTQ+ law
A man received six years in prison under Senegal's strengthened anti-LGBTQ+ law. This marks the…
West Hollywood Updates Laws for Modern Families, Other Cities May Follow
West Hollywood is updating its laws to better serve all types of modern families. Only 18 percent…
Fake Gay Asylum Services Hurt Real LGBTQ+ Refugees, BBC Investigation Finds
BBC investigation reveals people selling fake evidence for gay asylum claims. The practice makes…
Conservative Parents Sue Wisconsin School Over Trans Student Bathroom Policy
Conservative parents sued a Wisconsin school district over its transgender bathroom policy. The…
Lisa Rinna and Harry Hamlin Win Pelosi LGBTQ+ Ally Award
Actress Lisa Rinna and actor Harry Hamlin received the Pelosi LGBTQ+ Ally Award for supporting…
Trump FBI Budget Proposal Targets LGBTQ+ Groups as Security Threat
Trump's FBI budget proposal labels some LGBTQ+ groups as potential terrorists using "gender…
Trump's Niece Says Loyal Supporters Are Turning Against Him
Mary Trump says some of Donald Trump's loyal media supporters are criticizing his behavior and judgment. She believes this could be the start of bigger problems for the former president. Mary Trump says some of Donald Trump's biggest supporters are starting to criticize him. She wrote that his loyal media supporters are speaking out against his behavior. Mary Trump is Donald Trump's niece and has written books about him. She believes this could be the start of bigger problems for Trump. According to Mary Trump, some MAGA broadcasters are worried about Trump's decisions. These are people who have supported him strongly in the past. She thinks Trump is showing "increasing instability and…
Report Claims South Dakota Governor's Husband Considered Gender Transition
A new report claims South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem's husband considered gender transition and…
Court Case Against Gay Activist May Threaten Right to Protest
A lawsuit against a gay rights activist worries judges and lawyers about protest rights. Legal experts think the case could stop people…
Tennessee Creates 'Nuclear Family Month' in June
Tennessee lawmakers passed a resolution making June 'Nuclear Family Month' promoting one husband, one wife families. The timing coincides…
Trans Lawmaker Refuses to Visit US During Trump Presidency
A transgender lawmaker says they will not visit the United States while Donald Trump is president.…
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