This was extended in 2019 to include discrimination based on gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics. The Equal Treatment Act 1994 bans discrimination on account of sexual orientation in employment, housing, public accommodations, and other areas. During the late 20th century, awareness surrounding homosexuality grew and society became more tolerant of gay and bisexual people, eventually leading to its declassification as a mental illness in 1973 and a ban on discrimination based on sexual orientation in the military. An age of consent equal with that of heterosexual activity was put in place in 1971.
Same-sex sexual activity was legalized in 1811 after France invaded the country and installed the Napoleonic Code, erasing any remaining sodomy laws and no more were enacted after the country received independence. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) rights in the Netherlands have been some of the most progressive in the world.
