Progressive Holland

The Netherlands has attracted and welcomed people from the four corners of the earth for centuries. This has given the Netherlands a reputation for being a tolerant country that respects each individual.

The liberal way of thinking in the Netherlands has led to a few special rights being acquired and progressive laws being passed. Being a trendsetter, however, often also means you get criticized. This overview gives you a short impression of the most controversial liberal acquired rights.

Drugs: All drugs are forbidden in the Netherlands. It is illegal to produce, possess, sell, import and export drugs. However, the government has designed a strict and controlled drug policy that tolerates smoking small amounts of cannabis.

Coffeeshops: Coffeeshops may only sell soft drugs and no more than five grams of cannabis per person per day. Coffeeshops have strict laws that control the amount of admitted soft drugs and the conditions in which it is sold and used.

Homosexuality: Throughout the years the gay community has received more and more rights and respect. These days, a vast majority of the Dutch population supports tolerance and equal rights for homosexuals.

Same-Sex Marriage: In 2001, the Netherlands was the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage.

Adoption by Homosexuals: In 2009, the adoption of children by lesbian or gay couples was made possible.

Prostitution: In  2000, prostitution was officially acknowledged as a legal profession. From that year on, prostitution became a legal trade and prostitutes had to start paying taxes.