User:JorisEnter/Creationism in the Netherlands

Many people think that this phenomenon only affects the United States and that, even if it is not possible to be indifferent to what is happening on the other side of the Atlantic, it is not the Council of Europe’s role to deal with this issue. That, however, is not the case. On the contrary, it would seem crucial for us to take the appropriate precautions in our 47 member states. While creationism has had little impact in Europe, its ideas have had quite a large influence in the Netherlands.

Darwin year 2009
Leaflet etc

Creationism in politics
In 2005, the then Dutch Minister of Education, Maria Van der Hoeven, caused a stir by proposing the organisation of a debate on the teaching of the theories of evolution in the country’s schools. However, six years earlier a truce had been concluded between the various political parties with the result that evolution is part of the curriculum of all Dutch schools, including faith schools, which the state funds without exercising any ideological control. In an interview, Ms Van der Hoeven said that Charles Darwin’s theories were incomplete and that new things had been discovered since, especially by the proponents of the intelligent design ideas. However, she announced that she did not intend to introduce the creationist ideas into the school curricula but only wanted to confront their adherents with the supporters of the theory of evolution. Ms Van der Hoeven’s initiative only met with a weak response, including in her own party, the Christian Democratic Alliance (CDA). D66, a centre-left party and an ally of the CDA, is totally opposed to creationism and evolution being placed on an equal footing. The VVD, a liberal right-wing party, is of the same opinion.

Van der Hoeven, Plasterk, SGP

Creationism in the media
Knevel & EO

Creationist organisations
Logos Institute, De Oude Wereld