State Secretary Judith Tielen on rainbow flag debate: 'Pity about the fuss'

State Secretary Judith Tielen has dismissed the recent parliamentary controversy regarding the display of the rainbow flag at the House of Representatives as unnecessary. A proposal by Kati Piri, supported by several parties, to raise the flag for Coming Out Day led to a heated debate. While some parties argued that the building should remain neutral, a majority eventually voted in favor of the motion, resulting in 90 votes for and 36 against. The flag was requested by a network of civil servants, although the initial administrative approval was retracted after some political pressure, necessitating the formal parliamentary vote.

During the session, some members expressed concerns about potential slippery slopes or political theater. Tielen, however, emphasized that the House represents the people and that the flag serves as a significant symbol of equality. The decision marks a rare exception to the standard practice of flying only the Dutch and European flags, with the only other recent instance being the display of the Ukrainian flag in 2025.