Last week, the text of Article 1 of the Dutch Constitution was unveiled in The Hague City Hall. This text was placed in the city hall, at the initiative of the Denk party, to remind civil servants and residents daily of the importance of equality. In the coming weeks, the text of Article 1 will also be placed visibly at all district offices.
Alderman Hilbert Bredemeijer: “In times when the spirit of the Constitution is not always adhered to, we must emphasize the letter of the law even more. By placing Article 1, we emphasize that the municipality is there for everyone, regardless of your background. We are together The Hague and we all contribute to the cohesion in the city. It is good that the text has been given such a visible place in the city hall.”
The text of Article 1 of the Constitution was placed in response to an adopted motion by councillor Adeel Mahmood (Denk) and points out the principle of non-discrimination to visitors to the city hall. The text can be found near the main entrance to the city hall, on the lift shaft. The text will also be placed at the entrances to the district offices later.
The text of Article 1 reads as follows: ‘All persons in the Netherlands shall be treated equally in equal circumstances. Discrimination on the grounds of religion, belief, political opinion, race, gender, disability, sexual orientation or on any other grounds whatsoever shall not be permitted.’
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Photo credit: Martijn Beekman.
Photo 1: Text article 1
Photo 2: Alderman Hilbert Bredemeijer and councilor Adeel Mahmood
Featured photo: Aldermen and council members