The COC celebrates an important milestone this year. It uses this opportunity to send a strong message. The organisation calls on the Netherlands to lead the way regarding rights for gay, lesbian and transgender people. We had this reputation for years, but the COC says we are falling behind.

The Netherlands was indeed a pioneer. In 2001, we became the world's first country legalising same-sex marriage. That was a momentous achievement. But the world does not stand still. Other countries are catching up. New challenges are emerging. The COC sees significant work ahead: stronger discrimination protection, more transgender rights focus, and violence prevention.

For the COC, this milestone is not a time to rest on laurels. Quite the opposite. The organisation wants to signal that more steps are needed. Nationally and internationally. The COC calls on politics and society to act together. Because rights you have aren't automatically secure. You must keep defending them.