NETHERLANDS
Radio Netherlands
The Socialist Party believes that further research into Catholic church sex abuse in the Netherlands and the role played by the government is necessary. The research should eventually result in a parliamentary inquiry, in which witnesses can be heard under oath.
SP MP Sharon Gesthuizen made these statements on Sunday in current affairs television programme Buitenhof. Parliament will discuss the Deetman Commission’s report on church sex abuse on Tuesday.
Ms Gesthuizen says former minister Wim Deetman has done a good job, but argues that some issues have received insufficient attention, such as the abuse and the position of women. She also wants further research into the question of how the abuse could go on for such a long period and on such a large scale, and what the government’s role has been.
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