Amsterdam alderman Araya Sumter said in an interview that discrimination was increasing among different groups, according to the municipality’s discrimination monitor. She said tolerance of LGBTIQ+ people among young people was also declining, a development she attributed to factors including online influence, conservatism and religious views. Sumter said the backlash could be linked to fears that there was less room for some people, and stressed that all residents should have a place in the city.

Sumter, who has been Amsterdam’s alderman for Social Justice and Inclusion since the summer, said she did not intend to give up despite the challenges. She plans to organize discussions on diversity and tolerance and to continue supporting safe meeting places for queer people, including a possible Rainbow House. She also said she saw initiatives from residents who wanted to contribute to the city.