Labour supports motion to offer separate accommodation to gay refugees

Photo: Depositphotos.com
Photo: Depositphotos.com

The Labour party will support separate and safe accommodation for gay refugees in a vote today, going against the official government line.

Dutch MPs are voting on a motion from the liberal democratic party D66, calling for separate housing for gay, lesbian or transgender asylum seekers in acute need of it.

According to public broadcaster NOS, Labour’s support means the plan could win a majority. The motion also calls for safe accommodation for Christian asylum seekers in need, so Joël Voordewind of the ChristenUnie said it is ‘highly likely’ the party will support it too.

The issue has arisen after reports of death threats and attacks in asylum centres, leading some gay asylum seekers to be moved to new locations.

Attje Kuiken, an MP from the PvdA, told the NOS news hour programme last night: ‘If the need is so great and people fear for their lives, you have to do what you can for these people.’

But the Dutch cabinet and right-wing VVD do not agree and junior justice minister Klaas Dijkhoff, has said separate accommodation goes against Dutch values such as equality.

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