The ban on women becoming actively involved in politics imposed by the orthodox Christian party SGP will again be in the spotlight on Monday as both the state and an equal rights foundation go to court to appeal against a lower court ruling.

The court ruled in 2005 that the SGP, which operates according to a strict interpretation of the Bible, should lose its government subsidies (some €800,000 a year) because it discriminates against women by refusing to allow them to join the party.
The Clara Wichmann Institute says the party’s position contravenes the constitution and international treaties on equality between men and women.
While women may now become members, they are still banned from voting, taking office or becoming MPs. The party has two seats in the 150-seat Dutch parliament.