Dutch churches have joined the fight against homophobia with a statement condemning violence against gays.

The Christian  groups were marking the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (17 May). Violence against gay men and women, bisexuals and transgender people is a major problem around the world.

The theme of this year’s International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia is religion. Wielie Elhorst from an umbrella organisation for Dutch gay Christian groups thinks religion influences mental and physical violence against gays everywhere.

“For instance, a priest fled to London from Latvia because he was openly gay. The threats were so bad that he couldn’t deal with the situation anymore. Another example comes from Belgrade, where there’s a priest who blesses people who beat up gays.”

God’s image
The Dutch churches’ statement reads: “Although we are not in complete agreement about homosexuality, we are one in the belief that man is created in God’s image and is valuable in His eyes. That is why people should treat each other with dignity – be respectful, peaceful and loving – and why violence against homosexuals, in any form whatsoever, is evil.”

World
The International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia is being marked all around the world. There are major differences between countries when it comes to the emancipation of gays, lesbians and transgenders.

While people in the United States celebrate at pink parties, people in Uganda are relieved at the news that a parliamentary vote on the introduction of the death penalty for some homosexual acts has for the time being been cancelled.

See a map of activities planned around the world marking International Day Against Homophobia here.

Read more about the law on homosexuality, and ten myths about gays and lesbians. 

Read other stories about homosexuality

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