A number of new laws currently being processed in parliament are to be put on ice pending the creation of a new government. Traditionally, work on politically sensitive issues is halted while a new cabinet is put together following an election.

The list includes plans to scrap the crime of lèse majesté, or insulting the monarch, and the removal of a ban on insulting the heads of friendly states. That proposal came from MPs from the two Dutch liberal parties, VVD and D66, following Turkey’s attempt to prosecute a German comedian for insulting president Erdogan.

The list of controversial topics also includes plans to allow divorce without court intervention and dropping the sex of the holder from driving licences and passports, broadcaster NOS reported.

Health ministry plans to allow the human embroyos to be grown for limited scientific research and a shake-up of the Sunday trading laws are also on the list.

In addition parliament is also postponing talks with the cabinet on a proposal by the Christian Democrats to require the public television and radio stations to broadcast language and integration courses.