The winter games in Sochi are very successful for Team NL. What can I say, with a few medal chances to go, these Games are already the most successful ever for the Netherlands.

At the same time, a shadow hangs over the games in Russia. A democracy in name, but in practice a dictatorship of the majority. On a regular basis (organized) mobs raid on migrants in Moscow and the anti-LGBT legislation and climate is getting worse and worse.

Of course, it is not just Russia where the government and public opinion are turning against LGBT people. In Africa, countries are tumbling over each other to impose the most appalling penalties in this area. Uganda, Nigeria and Gambia are unfortunately not the exceptions…. Closer to “home” we also find fine examples of homosexual hatred, such as in the US, Croatia and France.

In that context, we in the Netherlands can cling to the nature of the abuses that take place here. Don't get me wrong, every incident is one too many but in that respect I make no distinction as to why violence is committed!

The Hague
The Hague, as “International City of Peace and Justice” may, in my opinion, go the extra mile in the field of this tenor of anti-LGBT legislation. After all, political summits regularly take place here where world leaders meet. LGBT protection and thus safeguarding human rights should, in my opinion, be a permanent item on every agenda. Thanks to D66 and GL, The Hague is a “Shelter City”, a temporary resting place and networking place for defenders of human rights in the world. A great initiative that various dissidents from around the world have already been able to use. Maybe keep the next shelter ready for one of the fighters against the anti-gay legislation like Frank Mugisha?!

But what can we do in local The Hague? We can still call ourselves a progressive and tolerant city with a lot of attention for minorities. There is broad support for education about sexual diversity in schools, sports clubs and care homes. We also have a thriving nightlife with beautiful parties, drinks, festivals and catering and the police in The Hague has implemented the security project “Pink in Blue”. The examples above show that this tolerant climate does not automatically arise and will continue to exist. We will continue to work on this in the coming years.

Time for a positive vibe!
Now that the major sporting events in the coming years will be organized in countries where human rights dangle at the bottom of the priority list, it is time for a signal from The International City of Peace and Justice.

D66 wants the municipality to investigate whether it is feasible to bring the EuroGames back to The Hague. The Eurogames are an LGBT sporting event in which more than 5,000 athletes from all European countries participate and which attract thousands of supervisors and supporters. The event started in The Hague in 1992 and also in 1993 the Hofstad was the host. In 2005 20.000 supporters from all over Europe visited Utrecht and in 2011, a few thousand athletes competed throughout Rotterdam for the gold medals. Together with the cultural Colors event, it was also a great success there. Since these games in Rotterdam and the World-Outgames in Antwerp were also neatly organized within budget last summer, I have every confidence that we can also be able to do that in The Hague. The (LGBT) sports clubs, organisers, the Hagenaar and the Municipality together!

I can see it. Sports competitions all over The Hague. Surfing at the beach of Scheveningen, playing football at Escamp, hockey at KZ, a marathon throughout the city, swimming in the Hofbad in Ypenburg and so on. The cultural events and festivals make this a summer to remember. Of course the whole city can participate. Not a high mass for gays but a festival of our diverse city, in the middle of the world.

The Hague will have to aim for the EuroGames in 2019. That is still a while away, but it does give us the opportunity to present a fantastic bid book until 2017. Don't forget, bringing in the Hockey World Cup which will be held in The Hague this summer has also been a process for years.

D66 likes this positive signal. You too? I am curious about your opinion and about the sport that should certainly not be missed as far as you are concerned!