Capital hosts demonstration against gay violence   

By The Holland Times Monday 14 June 2010, 11:06

Nearly one thousand people protested Sunday in Amsterdam against anti-gay violence. The demonstration began at the homomonument near the Westermarkt. 

The action was not organized by the gay rights organisation COC, but arose spontaneously by a call on Facebook following a third incident of violence against gay people within a month.

The last incident occurred on 3 June, when a young man was beaten outside Amstel Station because of his sexual orientation.

Among those present at the demonstration were Amsterdam Deputy Mayor Lodewijk Asscher and Councillor Ahmed Marcouch.

Police Chief Constable Bernard Welten said in an interview with Radio 1 News that he believes judges should impose heavier penalties for violence against gay people.