Dutch Soldiers to Participate in Gay Pride Parade

Members of the Dutch armed forces dressed in uniform will participate for the first time this year in the Gay Pride Canal Parade in Amsterdam.

Military members will participate officially in the August 6 parade on their own boat, according to Radio Netherlands Worldwide.

"The parade's organisers and the military gays organisation have both welcomed the news," reported RNW. "They say officially sanctioned participation is a huge step forward in the social acceptance of gay and lesbian people in the armed forces. Two years ago, gay soldiers were not allowed to join the event. Last year they were granted permission to do so but only on an individual basis."