Gay Guide Netherlands

The Netherlands are generally regarded as one of the most tolerant countries in the world. According to a civil law enshrined in Article 1 of the Basic Law, discrimination on the basis of religion, belief, political opinion, ethnic origin, sexual orientation or any other reason is prohibited. In addition, same-sex sex has been exempt from punishment for almost one hundred years. Homosexual education has become an almost daily occurrence in schools in these days, which contributes significantly to mutual understanding and respect. In 2001, Holland was the first country in the world where same-sex couples could officially register their partnerships, making them completely equal to marriage. Another law has been passed in the meantime allowing homosexual couples to adopt children. Since 2015, it has also been forbidden for state-supported religious schools to suspend teachers on the grounds of their sexual orientation. The age of consent in Holland is 16. A Dutch insurance company has been the first in the world to offer health insurance specifically designed for homosexual needs, starting in 2008. The insurance package was developed jointly with the Gay and Lesbian Association and includes additional "pink elements" such as the guarantee of treatment in homophile hospitals, special home care assistance and of course special attention to HIV. The most pleasant social climate for homosexuals can be found in the West Holland metropolitan area (the triangle of Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Utrecht). The gay scene is particularly well represented in this region, but you can find gay cafés practically everywhere else in the Netherlands.