Straight male members of parliament in the Netherlands are publicly holding hands in response to a homophobic attack.
Last week, two gay teenagers were hospitalised after being abused and attacked in the city of Arnhem. Arrests have been made since the incident, including a 14-year-old boy.
The hashtag #allemannenhandinhand (all men hand-in-hand) has taken off since the violent attack, with Dutch politicians holding hands and sharing photos to show support for the LGBT+ community.
Bijzonder dat sommigen reageren met “stelletje homo’s”. Klok, klepel. #allemannenhandinhand. pic.twitter.com/2kPR2TAfKH
— Lodewijk Asscher (@LodewijkA) April 3, 2017
Among the politicians getting involved Deputy Prime Minister Lodewijk Asscher and minor party leader Alexander Pechtold, as well as members of the Dutch mission at the United Nations.
As the first country in the world to legislate for marriage equality in 2001, the Netherlands have long set the standard for LGBTI+ rights around the globe.
The hand-holding politicians have inspired citizens to take part in the campaign.
So Nice!#allemannenhandinhand#mondaymotivation pic.twitter.com/GMb0kgFqHc
— Vera Bauman (@VeraBauman) April 3, 2017
The current reigning Dutch monarch King Willem-Alexander even helped to mark 70 years of LGBT+ advocacy group COC Netherlands by attending the organisations celebrations last year.
OIP Staff
