The 36-year-old princess attended a meeting today (05.03.08) to witness officials from the country's four major cities and the Dutch government sign an agreement to improve the social acceptance of homosexuals.
The 36-year-old princess attended a meeting today (05.03.08) to witness officials from the country's four major cities and the Dutch government sign an agreement to improve the social acceptance of homosexuals.
Frank van Dalen, an activist with the Dutch gay federation COC, said: "This is what we have been hoping to happen for a very long time. It is the first time a member of the royal family has attended a meeting with such significance for gays."
The cities of Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht aim to share educational programmes to encourage school pupils not to discriminate against homosexuals, and help other cities deal with similar issues.
A royal spokesman said: "The princess is in favour of equal rights for all groups in the Netherlands."
The royals have come under fire for their support of gay rights.
The orthodox protestant political party SGP recently criticised Queen Beatrix for having too much sympathy for gay rights groups and the annual Gay Parade through the country's capital Amsterdam.
Princess Máxima
