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Capital
Amsterdam
Other Main Cities/Resorts
Rotterdam, Ultrecht, Eindhoven, Den Hague
Scene and Culture
The Netherlands is probably the most liberal country in the world towards gays and lesbians. The gay scene is centred in Amsterdam and attract gay and lesbian visitors from around the world. There are numerous bars, clubs, saunas, coffee shops, restaurants and hotels. All in all a delightful destination which we strongly recommend.
Gay Age of Consent
16
Lesbian Age of Consent
16
Straight Age of Consent
16
Legal Notes
The Netherlands has a long history of progressive laws on homosexuality. An equal age of consent was introduced in 1971 and partnership rights legislation was introduced in the nineties. The Netherland is one of the four countries in the world where the institution of marriage is open to same-sex couples in other words where "real" gay marriage is allowed rather than separate partnership registration. Gay and lebians also have the same adoption rights as heterosexuals.
Many laws against discrimination exist for example under both the constitution and in the criminal law which prohibits discriminationon the grounds of sexual orientation as well as prohibiting incitement to hatred.
Gays are not barred from the armed forces and indeed many Dutch soldiers must undergo a training course in sensitivity towards homosexuals in the armed forces. Even sadomasochistic sexual relations are not punishable. In short gay rights activists in the Netherlands have nothing to fight for.
More recently it seems the Netherlands will soon be the first country to offer life insurance to people with HIV, at rates comparable to those offered to other members of the public.
Population
15.89 million
Currency
Euro €
Climate
The Netherlands has a temperate maritime climate influenced by the North Sea and Atlantic Ocean. The best time to go is in the summer months of May to September.
Since the country is small there is little variation in climate from region to region, although the marine influences are less inland. Rainfall is distributed fairly evenly throughout the year with average annual precipitation exceeding 700 mm. Average temperature ranges are from -1c to 4c in January to 13c to 22c in July.