Ten political parties in Eindhoven signed the Pink Ballot Agreement on Sunday, committing to a city where LGBTQI+ residents feel welcome and represented during the next council term. The agreement was drafted in collaboration with representatives from the queer community and local politicians. Kay Sachse, the chair of COC, noted that the agreement highlights a shared dedication to building an inclusive city.
The parties involved in the agreement represent a broad political spectrum, including the CDA, D66, EVE, GroenLinks/PvdA, LPF, Ouderen Appèl Eindhoven, PvdD, SP, Volt, and VVD. Sachse found it significant that parties from both the left and right supported the initiative. According to the COC chair, a broad majority of democratic parties now prioritise inclusion and equal treatment for all residents.
This marks the fourth time a Pink Ballot Agreement has been signed in the Eindhoven region ahead of municipal elections. The document outlines several specific commitments, including the municipality’s potential to refuse subsidies or permits for activities that violate equal treatment principles. The city also plans to partner with organisations that actively promote non-discrimination during local events.
Beyond event management, the agreement includes pledges related to education, sports, healthcare, and civic integration. There is also a focus on increasing the visibility of diversity across the city. Sachse emphasised that these measures benefit the entire community, stating that equal treatment has positive consequences for every resident of Eindhoven, not just the LGBTQI+ community.
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