Pride board resigns to ensure ‘inclusive celebration’

The board of Amsterdam’s Pride organisation has resigned because of ‘unrest’ caused by controversial comments made by its chairman Frits Huffnagel, the organisation said in a statement.

Huffnagel, who also stepped down, earlier refused to discuss comments he made on a radio programme about the refugee problems on the border between Turkey and Greece.

‘We see a child and we think “oh how sad”, but we don’t see the father standing behind him who might have carried out war crimes or the mother in the background who facilitated it,’ Huffnagel, a VVD stalwart, said during the discussion. ‘These people should not come here when the chances of them being allowed to stay are very slim’.

The Pride board said at the time it did not share the chairman’s opinions but decided he could stay after Huffnagel apologised for ‘upsetting some members’. This year’s Pride boat parade, on August 1, is due to include a boat of refugees for the first time.

However, following an open letter asking for Huffnagel’s removal from almost 100 human rights and LGTB rights groups the board decided ‘an inclusive, joyful and meaningful Pride, would not be served by an ongoing discussion.

A new board will be put together by former Amsterdam alderwoman Carolien Gehrels.