Netherlands Advocating for Gays in 3rd World

The most progressive country in the world on GLBT issues has asked it's foreign ambassadors in countries that receive financial support from the Netherlands (which gives about six billion dollars a year to countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America) to begin lobbying for GLBT rights and the decrminalization of homosexuality in those countries.

Half of the countries to which the Dutch government gives support (18 of 36) currrently make homosexuality a criminal offense. In a nicely worded statement, the Development Minister said "We will not avoid awkward discussions about this" with beneficiary countries. They also made it clear that thier funding or support wil not be contingent upon changes in those countries and that the discussions would be avoided in places where it seemed that conversations could lead to a backlash against a country's GLBT population.

What an amazing stance for a country to take. The first in the world to allow gay marriage and gay adoption. They have a monument in Amsterdam (near the Anne Frank house) to those that have suffered and died because of homophobia during and after WWII. And now this; promoting rights abroad. Bravo Netherlands!