The COC advocates in the Volkskrant for greater ambition. The Netherlands must lead again on LGBTQ+ rights, the organisation states. This is urgent, as other countries are surpassing us.

For years, the Netherlands was a global example. We legalised same-sex marriage first. We led in equal rights. But now? The COC says we are sleeping. Portugal and Ireland are meanwhile overtaking us.

It is not just about laws. The COC sees discrimination still occurs regularly. In schools, workplaces, on streets. And transgender rights lag behind. Waiting for gender transition takes far too long. Many countries handle this better.

The COC wants politics and society to reflect: where do we want to go? Not complacently resting on past achievements. Actually work for acceptance and equal rights. That starts with admitting we are not perfect. Then working towards improvement.