Amsterdam faces an ingrained problem of violence against gay men, despite its reputation as a haven of tolerance, according to a study released Thursday.Town councilman Freek Ossel said the University of Amsterdam study, commissioned by the city, said the Dutch capital must improve protection of gays, increase education, and encourage reporting of discriminatory incidents.
''Amsterdam's title as a gay capital, according to some people, has already been gone for years, and according to others in any case it's at stake,'' he said.
The study said 67 attacks were reported in Amsterdam in 2007. Police commissioner Leo Wilde said the number was about average for recent years and ''is not decreasing.''(keep reading)
2 comments:
In a way, I've always been mystified at the impression foreigners have of the Dutch as tolerant and enlightened. In fact, I've had repeated negative experiences among the Dutch, myself, although I even speak a little Dutch. I think the hype about it being a tolerant place needs to be balanced with the realization that the country is also chock full of xenophobes and homophobes. It is no paradise.
PLEASE PLEASE BEHAVE :-)
Amsterdam is great fun! Come and experience, gladly 2 show U all around!
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