Gay Pride Amsterdam - Gays in the Army (USA, NL, TR)

Most of the Dutch people thought in the nineties of the last century that homosexual emancipation was a done deal. Around 2005 they came to the realization that in fact they still had a long way to go; rising violence against homosexuals played a role, as did to a lesser extent the "islamisation of society". Radical Imams openly preached that beaten up homosexuals was a duty of Muslims. Some radical imams preached that homosexuals could be thrown of a high tower. In the end, more and more homosexuals didn’t feel safe in Amsterdam anymore.

But today they have their day, Gay Pride Amsterdam; which is some kind of homosexual carnival with lots of half naked men and the Canal Parade as its highlight. Even the Christian Democrat party is taking part in the Canal Parade, and so is financial giant ING among other multi nationals. Top athletes will have their own boat, and the defence ministry has allowed soldiers to take part in uniform (as long as they wear it correctly). You can ask why are gays in the Dutch professional army? Why not? The USA have Don't ask, don't tell policy about homosexuality in the U.S. military mandated by federal law. It prohibits any homosexual or bisexual person from disclosing his or her sexual orientation or from speaking about any homosexual relationships, including marriages or other familial attributes, while serving in the United States armed forces.

More rigid is the Turkish military: they openly discriminate against homosexuals and bisexuals by barring them from serving in the military. At the same time, Turkey - in violation of its obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights - withholds any recognition of conscientious objection to military service. Some objectors must instead identify themselves as “sick” – and are forced to undergo what Human Rights Watch calls "humiliating and degrading" examinations to “prove” their homosexuality. As of 2009, homosexuality is still considered as anl illness by the Turkish military, disqualifying the male from duty. But the catch is that this 'physiological disorder' must be proved with explicit, pornographic photos of the individual engaging in homosexual relations…wink, wink, wink…

As a bonus this year, Job Cohen, the city’s mayor, will marry five gay and lesbian couples during the parade. Each couple is composed of one American and one Dutch partner...