Samenvatting

Within the Netherlands gay emancipation is almost fully legalised. In April 2001, Article 1:30 of the Dutch Civil Code regarding the legalisation of same-sex marriages entered into force. Moreover, according to Article 1:227 of the Dutch Civil Code gay couples have the right to adopt children. In theory this means that gay couples and
single gay persons, men or women, have the same rights as heterosexual couples within the Netherlands. Even though it seems that gay emancipation is well on its way to be fully completed, in practice this does not hold true. Historically, the Netherlands was seen as the gay capital of the world by many homosexuals and widely
known for its gay-friendly atmosphere. However, nowadays it seems that the gay-friendly image of the Netherlands is changing. The media often broadcasts news on violence against homosexuals and homosexual
behaviour in public is still discarded. In order to strengthen gay emancipation, many large gay organisations organise manifestations to continue their fight against inequality.
As shown in chapter one, homosexual behaviour was quite normal during the Greek and Roman era. This view changed with the rise of the Inquisition and the church during the Middle Ages when discrimination against homosexuals grew. During the Enlightenment, homosexual behaviour was less severely punished and often seen as a private matter. These examples illustrate the struggle of gay emancipation throughout several time periods in history. In chapter two the organisations and manifestations that help promote gay emancipation are summarized. Gay organisations do not only strive for equal rights but also promote the social acceptance of homosexuals. The work of these organisations is therefore essential to support gay emancipation. In this thesis gay emancipation is first and foremost a national matter, so the government and parliament are an important
link to increase the social acceptance of homosexuals. In addition, governmental bodies and gay organisations have to work together to diminish discrimination against homosexuals. New laws and memorandums are crucial to support gay emancipation. This point becomes clear in chapter four where the interviews demonstrate that more work needs to be done to increase gay emancipation. At the end of chapter five it is concluded that the development of gay emancipation has not gone smoothly throughout the ages. However, with the help of gay
organisations, (local) government and manifestations, homosexuals have conquered many struggles. Therefore it is necessary to carry on with the organisation of manifestations. Hopefully, one day homosexual behaviour will be seen as a normal mannerism rather than unnatural behaviour. As long as inequality persists, the fight for gay
emancipation is a needed one.