On 5Th September on amsterdamsestraatweg in Utrecht I was both verbally and physically assaulted by a Dutch shop owner in front of hundreds of people as the street had it yearly street festival. I was told in an aggressive tone of voice that I was a filthy homo and that all homo's are pedophiles and then slapped on the face with a clenched fist while he held my bike so I could move away. I DID report this to the Police straight away as I was extremely shaken up by the experience, The man was taken in to the police station for questioning. But NOT charges as there was not enough evidence and no witnesses. I feel very let down by the system. Now I am left having counseling and tremble each time I have to go down amsterdamsestraatweg. As a gay person it is humiliating to have to report that you are a victim of discrimination. And harder to except that even when you report if you just get a letter from the police saying sorry there's not enough evidence. he has not been charged. (so basically he suffered no consequences for his actions.)and here is a phone number for victims support. So why report it when nothing happens.

By V | December 9, 2009 2:41 PM

it's terrible that the system, especially under Universal Human Rights, that gays' human rights are taken for granted still. I think the problem is Gay Rights Movement has quiten down in Europe. We only hear now and then, about Gay Parade (for entertainment usually) rather than as strong civil and political rights marches and demands, all across the EU!

By Katharina Sri (former: Noor Aza Othman) | December 9, 2009 3:44 PM

Talking from experience - Dutch so called anti-discrimination policies and institutions are all about the same I guess - unless you provide with some discrimination on paper, or some such evidence which is more than explicit, there is no actions taken. The discrimination and abuse is most often verbal, yet anywhere you want to go after that you are asked to provide some facts. 1 to 1 conversation, forget about it - not enough evidence and no one will ever take your word for that. But they all can sit and publish posters and have meetings about how much people are abused or discriminated...

p.s. I'm talking about police, discrimination "meldpunt" and all other comissions, groups or organizations that are financed by the bloody tax payers money.

By B | December 9, 2009 4:09 PM

V, I'm so sorry that happened to you. How sad that no one stepped in or provided evidence against this man. I hope things improve for you soon.

By Chi | December 9, 2009 5:02 PM

im so sorry to hear that V, please please do something if the police wont, get organised get the gay community behind you. THIS NEWSPAPER shout make a campaign (hint hint), this man must learn that his actions are not acceptable in a civilised society, maybe if a lot of ppl boycott his horrid shop and ppl learn how horrible this man is, he may think twice about abusing ppl

By adhd | December 9, 2009 5:24 PM

V. check out Bas Rutten (Google videos)
Sorry to hear this story, a lot of racists here! This country thrives on materialism, not friendship & compassion...

By stevie | December 9, 2009 11:00 PM

Hi, Thank you all for your support. I do want to fight these people back but do not feel I have the support from the so called system. I want to feel safe in this beautiful country. If anyone can help with info on how to LEGALLY fight this thug back then please I would like your help. I want to be able to ride down amsterdamstraatweg without having to look over my shoulder all the time. I have set up a email account for any info that could help.(Vfights4dignity@gmail.com) Any gay lawyers out there with good advice? Can I legally hold a protest outside this shop?? Thank you all for your support V

By V | December 10, 2009 8:17 AM

It's probably an illusion to think that harassment of gays, or of anyone else for that matter, can be banned completely, or be prosecuted every time it happens.
Let's hope that over the years the norm of a more correct attitude will gradually gain more ground, and that anti-gay violence will go down. To this effect, it will help to keep on reporting incidents to the police, even though reporting is not as sharp a weapon as one would like it to be.

By Hans | December 10, 2009 9:37 AM

So sorry V. Could you tell us the name of the shop where the alleged abuse happened. Next time we pass his shop we can drop in to buy something then ask at the counter "Is this the shop that an alleged attack happened on a Gay man". Leave our items on the counter unpaid for and leave. It can get the message across that some of us are deeply offended.

By jaycee | December 10, 2009 10:41 AM

V, that is terrible. Maybe you can make a public appeal for witnesses, you say there were a lot of people present. You should go to the press, ask a gay rights organisation to help you, contact a TV station and ask them to make a reportage - that thug's act should not go unpunished! Good luck.

By stingo | December 10, 2009 1:18 PM

"From 2011, the Netherlands will have a public prosecution department official dedicated to cases involving discrimination." - A welcome, long overdue change.

By stingo | December 10, 2009 1:21 PM

What we need as human beings in this world is the awakening of our consciousness, to see clearly that being Gay is as natural as breeze in mountains and water in a stream. Gay people should never ever be subjected to any violence or discrimination. But political and religious groups use it (the gay thing) to set up a certain moral standard and perpetrate violence. Its is a sad reality.

By Zen | December 10, 2009 8:37 PM