LGBT tolerance slumps in the Netherlands as debate turns vicious

A Europe-wide HBSC survey, with Dutch analysis led by Utrecht University and the Trimbos mental health institute, finds a sharp fall in pro-LGBT attitudes among Dutch schoolchildren: only 22% of boys aged 12-16 now view homosexuality positively, down from 40% in 2021, while girls’ acceptance has dropped from 78% to about 51%. Researchers and campaigners call the shift a worrying reversal after decades of growing acceptance. LGBT rights group COC describes the results as frightening, warning that eroding support among youth threatens free self-expression in future generations.

Experts link the decline to rising online radicalisation - particularly the "manosphere" - and outspoken political and conservative campaigns that spread hostile messages and false associations between homosexuality and paedophilia. Prime Minister Rob Jetten called the figures shocking and said the government will explore ways to pressure social platforms over harmful content. The report recalls high-profile incidents, such as death threats against children’s author Pim Lammers after attacks by radical Catholic Civitas Christiana, and a court victory for sex-education group Rutgers that barred Civitas from publishing false accusations and a “black book” targeting educators and organisations.