COC calls resistance to Paarse Vrijdag at some schools worrying
As schools mark Paarse Vrijdag, the equality action day, the COC says resistance at some secondary schools shows what falling acceptance of homosexuality looks like in practice.
Schools in the city of Groningen and the surrounding area are colouring purple for Purple Friday (Paarse Vrijdag), the annual action day that draws attention to equality and diversity. The COC, the Dutch LGBTI advocacy organisation, calls it "worrying" (zorgelijk) that some secondary schools experience resistance around the celebration.
"This is what declining acceptance of homosexuality looks like in practice," the COC says. The day falls a little over two weeks after acceptance of homosexuality among young people was found to have declined.
State secretary Judith Tielen also responded: "It is a shame if schools hesitate out of fear."
COC (Cultuur en Ontspanningscentrum)
The Dutch LGBTI advocacy organization works to promote equal rights and social acceptance for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex people in the Netherlands. It supports the community through local chapters, provides educational programs in schools, and advocates for inclusive public policies.