The office of the LGBTI interest group COC in Rotterdam was defaced last night with anti-LGBTI slogans. “It cannot but have to do with the establishment of the Pink Comrades,” chairman Arjan Beune told the regional broadcaster. Rijnmond.
In August, the facade of a gym in Rotterdam was defaced with similar slogans. The gym belongs to the founder of the Roze Kameraden, the Feyenoord supporters’ association of LGBT people, which was founded shortly before the incident. The gym was also set on fire. The COC then called on Feyenoord to stop the arson and daubing to condemn.
According to Beune, the texts in the office correspond to the graffiti on the facade of the gym. “Furthermore, there are abbreviations that refer to cancer gays.” Beune reported vandalism and intimidation this morning. “I’m mostly angry and sad. Angry because this is happening and sad because we still have such a long way to go.”
In conversation
The chairman emphasizes that the COC continues to support the Pink Comrades. “We still fully support it. We will soon have to really talk to the clubs and the municipality about how we should deal with this. Because it is not just about Feyenoord. There are plenty of people who will stop coming out if they want to come out.” with sports, because LGBT people are simply not accepted. That really needs to change.”
Police say they are taking the matter very seriously and are investigating. “It is not the first time this has happened,” said a spokesperson. “We are therefore calling for witnesses and anyone who knows more about this to come forward.” The police cannot yet say whether there is a connection between the graffiti at the COC office and the gym.
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