The COC celebrates an important milestone this year. The organization calls on Netherlands to lead again regarding rights for gay, lesbian, and transgender people. We had this image for years. But according to COC, we are declining.

Netherlands was indeed a pioneer. In 2001 we were the first country worldwide introducing same-sex marriage. That was a big moment. But the world does not stand still. Other countries catch up with us. New challenges arise. The COC sees much work: better discrimination protection, more transgender rights attention, violence prevention against gays.

The milestone is not a moment to rest for COC. On the contrary. The organization wants to signal more steps are needed. In Netherlands itself, but also internationally. COC calls politics and society to work together. Because rights you have are not automatically safe. You must keep defending them.