Marriage Equality Gets a Dutch Boost

The New York Times
June 25, 2009
Of all things, historical and cultural, that link Amsterdam to New York, there is a particular bond that strikes a personal chord with Carolien Gehrels. Mrs. Gehrels, the deputy mayor of Amsterdam, will be among a delegation of officials from the Netherlands who are flying to New York this weekend to attend gay pride celebrations and to embrace efforts to legalize the freedom to marry in New York State. Mrs. Gehrels brings a personal perspective to the issue: she is married to a woman. She said the legislation pending in Albany deserved a full debate. “This is exactly what happened in the Netherlands before the legalization of marriage equality. The debate as well as the legal recognition meant an enormous step forward in the acceptance of LGBT citizens in Dutch society.” [Link]