Coos Huijsen, first openly gay member of parliament, dies at the age of 87
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Coos Huijsen, a well-known Dutch politician and equal rights activist, has passed away at the age of 87. Huijsen made history in 1976 when he became the first openly gay member of parliament to join the House of Representatives. His passing marks the loss of an important pioneer for the LGBT community in the Netherlands.
Before entering politics, Huijsen worked as a history teacher. In 1972, he was elected as a member of parliament for the CHU (Christian Historical Union). Four years later, in 1976, he publicly announced his homosexuality. This was a very courageous and groundbreaking step at the time, as social acceptance of homosexuality was still limited.
After his time in the House of Representatives, Huijsen continued to dedicate himself to social issues. He wrote several books about the Dutch monarchy and the history of Dutch politics. He also remained an active advocate for the rights of minorities, using his own experiences to influence the public debate on diversity and tolerance.
Huijsen's death has drawn many reactions from Dutch politics. Many praise him as a man who paved the way for future generations. Thanks to his openness, others were able to follow in his footsteps, which has contributed to a more inclusive political culture in the Netherlands. His legacy as an activist and parliamentarian will not soon be forgotten.
Sources: NL Times
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