The Netherlands: Don’t think of ‘us’ and ‘them’, urges PM | September 08, 2007

Congratulations to Jan Peter Balkenende! It is very encouraging to see the leader of a European nation express an affirmation of religious pluralism, and the rights to freedom of religion guaranteed by the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights! Many European nations (such as Germany and France) have somewhat of a legislative tin ear when it comes to grasping the nature of religious belief in the lives of their citizens.

We must not think in terms such as ‘us’ and ‘them’,’ Balkenende urged. We must not ‘put people to one side because of their religion’. Many Muslims contribute fully to our society and deserve our solidarity and respect, he said.

Article here