Nashville-declaration not punishable
The Hague – The Nashville-declaration against homosexuality is not punishable. The people who signed the pamphlet declared that they think homosexuality is a sin and can be cured. They also stated that marriage should only be between man and wife. The declaration was signed by SGP-leader Kees van der Staaij. He got criticized by many member of parliament. The VVD, D66, GroenLinks, PvdA and 50Plus used their right to ask questions. They wanted to know if the cabinet saw the pamphlet as a way to cause hatred against a specific group and thus is punishable. According to the public prosecutors office it can be seen as freedom of religion and freedom of opinion. Van der Staaij was happy with the decision and said: “It shows that Christians can still freely express their opinion on the state of marriage and sexuality.”