It feels good to pause at a milestone. Exactly 25 years ago, the Netherlands opened the door for same-sex marriage. A moment that changed everything for many gay and lesbian people.

That decision was not obvious. The Netherlands was one of the first countries worldwide to take this step. In 2001, gay and lesbian couples could finally marry, just like everyone else. No exceptions, no separate rules. Simply the same right.

A quarter century later, it remains important to remember this moment. Because for many people, this meant a lot. Finally they could recognise their love the same way as their parents, friends and colleagues. No compromises. No waiting.

The Netherlands showed it was possible. Other countries followed our example. Now gay and lesbian couples can marry in more than thirty countries. That started here, 25 years ago. Good reason to look back today and celebrate that decision. This was good for our country.