The Dutch Lesbian and Gay Movement

THE EVOLUTION of the Dutch homosexual emancipation move- ment is paradoxical. Since the early twentieth century, Christian Demo- crats have continuously controlled the executive branch of government, yet lesbians and gay men seem to enjoy substantial social freedom and le- gal protection. Moreover, Dutch society is often referred to as permissive and tolerant toward homosexual lifestyles. How can this paradox be ex- plained?