It happened again. The Dutch House of Representatives has voted—once more—to derail the transgender rights bill, without so much as a proper debate. A motion passed on 8 April calls on the government to withdraw the proposal for the Transgenderwet, a law designed to make legal gender recognition more accessible and dignified.
Trans communities, already under pressure across the globe, watched in dismay as the Netherlands, long considered a beacon of LGBTQIA+ rights, failed to uphold the democratic process for the second time. “We’re being erased without discussion,” said Remke Verdegem of Transgender Netwerk Nederland.
Despite a firm recommendation from State Secretary Struycken against the motion, several political parties—including PVV, NSC, and CU—voted in favour. Their message was clear: the wellbeing of trans people is negotiable. And this silence, this refusal to even have the conversation, echoes the rising tide of anti-trans rhetoric seen across the US and parts of Europe.
It’s more than just parliamentary procedure. It’s about respect. The respect to be heard. To be treated as equals in the eyes of the law. To not be dismissed with a wave of a political hand.
We know visibility isn’t enough if it isn’t backed by action. As online hate skyrockets and misinformation spreads, our resilience matters more than ever
This article was written thanks to WINQ magazine, as KET.brussels is part of the European LGBTQIA* Media Association.
Misschien wilt u ook
-
Another study shows that puberty blockers save young transgender lives
Another study proving that gender‑affirming care has a positive impact on the mental health of
-
Beneath the Surface: Paradise City 2026 Unveils Its First Wave of Artists
Belgium’s Paradise City Festival is already proving that 2026 will be anothersummer to remember. After a smooth
-
American billionaire MacKenzie Scott gives record $45 million to The Trevor Project
American philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, ex‑wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, has donated 45 million dollars
-
What is Sex-Positive Belgium?
Sex-Positive Belgium is a growing, real-life community of open-minded people who embrace a sex-positive philosophy. It welcomes
-
Renee Nicole Good: Community Mourns the Loss of a Queer Mother, Poet, and Advocate for Compassion
Renee Nicole Good, a 37‑year‑old queer writer and mother of three, was killed on Wednesday
Dutch 
English 
French