House of Representatives Approves the Anti-Discrimination Protection Act in Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba
On Tuesday, 18 February 2025, the House of Representatives approved the introduction of equal treatment legislation in Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba.
Based on Article 1 of the Dutch Constitution, various laws ensuring equal treatment apply in the Netherlands. However, these laws do not yet apply in Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba. The general principle is that legislation should apply throughout the entire Kingdom of the Netherlands, unless there is a valid reason to make an exception.
Research shows that the proposed law, which introduces the equal treatment laws, is both feasible and important for the residents of Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba. As a result, the central government, at the request of the executive councils, is working to implement this legislation on the islands. Residents will be able to use this law if they feel discriminated against. For assistance and support regarding discrimination, residents can approach an anti-discrimination service. This service will be integrated into the free legal aid office, which is currently being prepared for each island.
Follow up in the Senate
The draft law will now be sent to the Senate for consideration. It will be finalized if the Senate also approves it.
For more information about the legislation, see the associated parliamentary documents.