AMSTERDAM — The Netherlands capital commemorated a historic milestone Wednesday as three same-sex couples exchanged vows at City Hall just after midnight, marking 25 years since the world’s first legal gay marriages took place.
Mayor Femke Halsema officiated the celebratory ceremony, honoring a groundbreaking moment from a quarter-century ago when her predecessor Job Cohen conducted four wedding ceremonies that became a pivotal moment for LGBTQ+ rights globally, inspiring similar laws in nearly 40 nations.
The Netherlands has seen same-sex marriages become routine since the historic 2001 legislation took effect. Government statistics show more than 36,000 same-sex couples have wed in the country over the past two decades.
The nation’s Prime Minister Rob Jetten, who holds the distinction of being the country’s first openly gay leader, plans to wed his partner Nicolás Keenan, an Argentine field hockey player who earned bronze with his national team at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
“As a prime minister, I’m very proud that we celebrate 25 years of universal marriage here in the Netherlands,” Jetten told The Associated Press during the midnight celebration.
“Also for me personally, I can still remember when I was 14 years old watching TV, seeing the first couples getting married here in Amsterdam. That was also very inspiring and emancipating for me, personally, as it has been for so many others,” he continued.
The United States achieved nationwide recognition of same-sex marriage through a Supreme Court ruling in 2015, following earlier state-by-state adoptions. Research from last year indicates more than 800,000 same-sex married couples currently live in America.
Amy Quinn and her spouse Heather Jensen were among the initial couples to marry in New Jersey when the state recognized such unions in 2013.
Quinn explained the importance stemmed from their plans to have children, noting their attorney advised marriage would ensure both women’s names appeared on birth certificates while granting equal rights for school documentation and hospital visits.
“It’s shocking to me in terms of really how recently we got it,” said Quinn, who serves as deputy mayor of Asbury Park, New Jersey.
The Human Rights Campaign, a U.S.-based LGBTQ+ advocacy organization, has tracked legislation in at least nine American states during current or recent sessions attempting to reverse legal recognition of same-sex marriages. Most proposals urge the Supreme Court to overturn its 2015 ruling, though none have progressed and couldn’t compel judicial reversal even if passed.
“I don’t think it’s a time for people to be afraid,” stated Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign. “It’s a time to be aware, to protect our families, to protect our kids and to protect our lives.”
Vast regions globally — especially throughout Asia and Africa — have not legalized same-sex marriage, with some nations becoming increasingly restrictive.
Senegal’s president enacted legislation Monday strengthening penalties for homosexuality, joining other African countries imposing severe sanctions against LGBTQ+ communities.
American conservatives have also contested laws prohibiting “conversion therapy” for LGBTQ+ youth. The Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that objectors have valid concerns, determining Colorado’s ban raises free-speech issues requiring lower court review.
Philip Tijsma, representing the primary Dutch LGBTQ+ advocacy organization COC, acknowledged while the silver anniversary provided opportunity for reflection and celebration, the Netherlands has fallen behind other nations in supporting LGBTQ+ communities.
“We have become a little bit lazy,” he stated, noting other European countries now maintain stronger transgender protections. He emphasized that Dutch LGBTQ individuals still face school bullying and street harassment for public displays of affection.
Recent years have witnessed significant backlash in America against transgender rights particularly. Most states have prohibited transgender women and girls from certain women’s sports competitions while restricting gender-affirming healthcare for minors. Limitations on puberty-blocking medications, hormone treatments and gender-affirming surgeries have expanded internationally.
President Donald Trump and his administration have advocated for transgender restrictions.
Despite ongoing challenges, Amsterdam’s ceremony maintained a joyful atmosphere.
Gert Kasteel and Dolf Pasker participated in Wednesday’s event, having originally married during the historic April 1, 2001 ceremony.
“We’re very happy!” Kasteel declared.
“It’s unbelievable, 25 years,” Pasker added. “It’s so beautiful that there’s so much attention for it.”
