While looking back at the archive images, small details come to mind. “The ceremony took place just before midnight, because only then would the law come into effect. But I had done my talk, and then I actually finished too early. That’s why we had to count down until the time came.”
The Netherlands’ decision to legalize gay marriage was quickly followed. It is now permitted in almost forty countries on all continents. No less than logical, says Cohen. “You love who you love. And we all participate in society, so please give each other that space to be yourself.”
Gay acceptance is under pressure
Yet gay acceptance in the Netherlands is certainly under pressure. Various studies show that (including young Amsterdam residents) parts of the population have started to think more conservatively about the position of homosexuals in society. And according to an index by the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans & Intersex Association, our country is within Europe in thirteenth place when it comes to protecting gay rights.
It worries Cohen very much. “Back then, in 2001, we were the example for the rest of the world. From Washington to Moscow they asked us what we were doing. It would be good if we could take that position again in the future.”
But even if politicians were to become more committed to protecting gay rights, Cohen is firmly convinced that the will to set each other free must come from within society. “I hope that at some point people will say with regard to these rights: ‘Stop with the nonsense, people have rights’.”
