The Netherlands
Disclaimer: This information on the situation of homosexuals all over the world may not be completely accurate or up-to-date. The information is gathered on the Internet and in other publications. If you have any additional information, corrections, comments or suggestions, don't hesitate to contact me at  <never@heterosexual.com> Updated 98-06-29	Information on the situation for homosexuals in the Netherlands: Legal+ The Netherlands is considered by many to be the most gay-liberal country in the world. Uniform age of consent was introduced in 1971. Registered partnership laws, or same-sex civil "marriage", was introduced in January 1998. Real marriage laws may be passed soon. Adoption rights have been granted. During the first six monthes of the new partnership law, over 1,000 couples got "married". Many laws against discrimination exist, and many Dutch soldiers must undergo a training course in sensitivity towards homosexuals in the armed forces. If you have any further information on the current situation in the Netherlands, please contact me.    Age of consent Male-Female Male-Male Female-Female The Netherlands 12/16 12/16 12/16 The age of 16 is for all sexual contacts, some restrictions apply to the lower age of 12. To view adult material in the Netherlands you have to be over 16. The age limit for prostitution was raised from 16 to 18 in 1999. Further information on the situation in the Netherlands can be found at: Dutch Queer Resources COC-Nederland De Gay Krant Expreszo - Magazine for Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Youth Gay News Amsterdam - bilingual newspaper Pride.net - Netherlands Cai's Gay Life - Gay web community (contains erotic images!) Eurofaeries -- Netherlands Board of Tourism	Statistics: Monarchy, Europe Area: 41,863 km² Population: 15.45 mill. Capital: Amsterdam Currency: guilder Queen's Birthday: Apr. 30 ISO 3166 Internet Country Code(s): .nl

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