Dutch Queer News: 3 Reports

Three reports from RADIO NETHERLANDS WORLDWIDE -

Aruba's gay couples

De Volkskrant reports that the government of Aruba, which forms part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, denies refusing to register married same-sex couples. The responsible minister says that clear instructions have been issued and implemented. His remarks come after a Dutch gay interests group reported that Aruba has refused to register at least five same-sex couples despite a Dutch Supreme Court ruling handed down earlier this year.

According to de Volkskrant, Democratic Party leader and former Interior Minister Alexander Pechtold has little faith in the Aruban government's statement.

"We have been working on the registration of same-sex marriages in Aruba for years, but the authorities there have stalled time and again, over legal technicalities, by making up excuses and through pure harassment."

The paper writes that Mr Pechtold is not surprised the Aruban government denies everything. "Aruba has a tradition of politicians insisting something is black when everybody else says it's white." The Democratic politician has called on the current interior minister to set Aruba an ultimatum for the implementation of the Supreme Court ruling.

Gay people in developing countries

De Volkskrant reports that Development Minister Bert Koenders has ordered the Dutch embassies in 36 countries to carry out an investigation into the position of homosexual people there.

These are all countries the Netherlands has an intensive development relationship with. In half of these countries homosexuality is a crime, with sentences varying from lashes with a whip to capital punishment.

The investigation was prompted by concerns voiced by a Dutch gay rights organisation. The results will be made public in a few months, but the minister has already made it clear that no drastic measures will be taken any time soon.

A spokesperson said that Mr Koenders wants to keep open dialogue with these countries, and it is not his intention to impose Dutch liberal laws on partner countries. "That would be taking things too far, but we can try to exert influence to improve the position of homosexuals."

Meanwhile, homophobic attacks are on the rise in Amsterdam.