The Leiden boat parade has been the subject of controversy since it was first held in 2023. From the very first edition, restrictions were imposed on the right to demonstrate. Some participants who ignored these restrictions were beaten by the police.
Last year, protest signs were banned from the boats as they were deemed ‘too political’. Those who wished to demonstrate were not allowed to join the parade. Disagreements about this arose on Leiden University’s boat, ultimately leading to the resignation of the chair of Leiden University’s LGBTQIA+ network.
Earlier this month, the fourth edition of the Pride event took place, with demonstrations once again prohibited. It was for this reason that Leiden University decided not to take part in the Canal Pride.
CONCERNS
Council members Sander Sauvé (SP) and Nina Joziasse (Party for the Animals) are also opposed to the ban on protests. They write that they have ‘serious concerns’ about these developments and question whether the right to demonstrate is being sufficiently safeguarded. In response, they have submitted written questions to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen.
‘Pride is not just a fun party on our canals, but also a protest where the right to demonstrate – a fundamental right – must be fully safeguarded’, say the council members. ‘Does the Board agree with us that Pride is, at its core, a protest, and that demonstrations, in general, do not disrupt the festivities but are an inherent part of Pride?’
They also wish to know from the Board whether they agree that the right to demonstrate ‘can only be restricted when provided for by law to protect public health, to prevent serious traffic disruption, or to combat or prevent disorder’.
Furthermore, they ask whether the Board had been in contact with the organisers and the police prior to the Pride event ‘to ensure that the right to demonstrate would be respected’.
SAFETY
Pride Leiden organiser Lorenzo van Beek acknowledges that demonstrating on a boat is prohibited ‘because otherwise the safety of the demonstrators and bystanders cannot be guaranteed’. According to him, this decision was made in part by the police and was subsequently adopted by Pride Leiden. ‘The reason why it ispermitted in Amsterdam is because the entire city is packed with police officers; there are even snipers stationed on the rooftops for security. That is not an option in Leiden.’
He believes the criticism Pride Leiden is facing over the ban is unjustified. ‘A small group of demonstrators thinks that Pride Leiden doesn’t understand that Pride originated as a protest. As if we are not on the side of the minority to which we ourselves belong.’
He also says that Pride Leiden has held countless discussions in recent years with the small group of activists who insist on demonstrating on the boat.
‘We’re talking about a handful of people. They know that the police cannot guarantee safety if a demonstration is held on a boat, but they refuse to accept that. So we proposed an alternative: the Pride Walk. But for years now, the sole focus – including in the media – has been on those few people who insist on demonstrating on a boat. I find that extremely unfortunate. I’ve put 1,500 hours of voluntary preparation into this.’