Topic: LGBT Rights
Country: Netherlands
Delegate Name: Lily Kappa
School: Roeper School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Netherlands position papers GLIMUN 2018 committees
Members of the LGBT community have been discriminated against for years, but in this modern age, where acceptance is often expected of a nation and reforms are made at rapid speed, it is imperative that the nations work together to quickly establish what seems to be a necessary right for their citizens. Discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender should not be tolerated by any nation, although same sex couples are not legal in 74 countries as of May 2016. By preserving the rights of LGBT citizens, a nation is simply granting their citizens the rights that everyone deserves and adapting to the current modern times.
The Kingdom of the Netherlands acknowledges that, although not everyone in our nation agrees with and supports the LGBT community, Netherlands can be considered a very progressive nation on the matter and can be used as a model for other nations who might not be as supportive. A study has shown that about 85% of our population supports same sex marriage. By working cooperatively with other nations, the UN can work to properly establish progressive nations in an effective and inclusive manner.
Religion plays a major role in the opinions of LGBT rights for thousands of people around the world as a progressive stance on LGBT rights is not often taken by many religions. This is a frequent point made by those arguing against the establishment of equal rights for LGBT community members and a main reason for opposition. The Netherlands is about 50% non-religious, which has enabled it to provide a safe space for all genders and sexual orientation. It is recognized that many nations are restricting these rights due to their official religion, and it is key to find a way to ensure equal rights despite this very viable point. The Netherlands can help to find a way to work with these nations and reach a compromise. Representatives from the Netherlands could provide LGBT awareness conferences, working with countries whose religious views may not allow an open mind. Classes and lectures could be provided to allow the citizens to understand why gay marriage should not be punishable by death, like in Yemen, and why gender fluidity is a necessary part of our modern society.
Siobhan Fenton @siobhanfenton. “The 74 Countries Where It's Illegal to Be Gay.” The Independent, Independent Digital News and Media, 17 May 2016, www.independent.co.uk/news/world/gay-lesbian-bisexual-relationships-illegal-in-74-countries-a7033666.html. “Enquête Sur La Droitisation Des Opinions Publiques Européennes.” IFOP, www.ifop.com/publication/enquete-sur-la-droitisation-des-opinions-publiques-europeennes/. “The World Factbook: AUSTRIA.” Central Intelligence Agency, Central Intelligence Agency, 7 Nov. 2018, www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/au.html. Bearak, Max, and Darla Cameron. “Here Are the 10 Countries Where Homosexuality May Be Punished by Death.” The Washington Post, WP Company, 16 June 2016, www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2016/06/13/here-are-the-10-countries-where-homosexuality-may-be-punished-by-death-2/?utm_term=.d174cc3c6dbd.
