MPs vote to fly rainbow flag at parliament for first time

The Dutch parliament will fly the rainbow flag for the first time on Sunday, Coming Out Day, following an 90-36 vote by MPs on Thursday night. The decision was initially made by parliament's presidium but reversed after objections from the Christian Democratic Alliance (SGP). SGP MP Diederik van Dijk argued that the rainbow flag is a symbol of activism, not a national flag.

In response, Kati Piri, MP for the opposition party Pro, proposed a motion to "stand up for the rights of the global LGBTI movement" and create an inclusive working environment. Most opposition parties voted in favor, including D66, VVD, CDA, PRO, PvdD, SP, ChristenUnie, 50PLUS, and Volt. However, the anti-immigration PVV, far-right Forum for Democracy (FVD), Denk, and the SGP opposed the move.

The vote took place on the eve of Purple Friday, when schools nationwide honor LGBTI acceptance. This year, the observance falls in October, a change requested by schools, with a record 3,130 schools participating, up from 2,890 last year. The increase is linked to a survey showing a decline in acceptance of homosexuality among teenagers, with only 22% of secondary school boys and 51% of girls expressing a positive view.