adOct 9, 2026, 13:06

Jetten calls parliamentary debate on rainbow flag 'a pity'

Prime Minister Rob Jetten expressed disappointment over the political division in the House of Representatives regarding the decision to hoist the rainbow flag for Coming Out Day. Despite opposition from some parties who believe only the national flag should be displayed, a majority voted to fly the symbol in support of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Prime Minister Rob Jetten has expressed disappointment over the political disagreement regarding the decision to hoist the rainbow flag at the House of Representatives. While a majority of 90 members voted in favor of the motion to fly the flag on international Coming Out Day this Sunday, the decision faced opposition from parties including the SGP, BBB, and Forum for Democracy. Critics argued that the building should exclusively feature the national flag, while supporters emphasized the gesture as vital encouragement for the LGBTQIA+ community.

The proposal to display the flag originated from an internal staff organization and was supported by House Speaker Thom van Campen, despite the initial controversy. Kati Piri, the politician who sponsored the successful motion, stated that the rainbow flag belongs on the house of democracy, similar to its presence on other government buildings. As a result of the vote, the flag is scheduled to be displayed this Sunday, marking a significant development in the ongoing discourse on institutional representation within the Netherlands.

Politics Culture Netherlands

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Based on reporting by ad. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

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