EU Charter Frightens Dutch

AMSTERDAM – The proposed constitution for the 25-member European Union is causing concern in this and other liberal Netherlands enclaves.

Owners and employees of sex shops and coffeehouses, where marijuana and hashish products are legal to purchase, worry that, though nothing is specifically forbidden about their businesses in the new laws, common sense dictates that Holland would need to conform to the rest of Europe rather than vice versa, and Amsterdam’s famous red light district would fade.

Though the Netherlands is a founding member of the EU, concerns abound in the small country over what it feels is (EU Capital) Brussels’ incompetence and soaring inflation since the introduction of the euro.

In addition, rising anti-Muslim sentiment in the small country came to the fore when radical Islamists murdered an anti-immigration politician in 2002 and filmmaker Theo Van Gogh last year. Predominantly Muslim Turkey is being primped for membership in the EU by 2007.

Holland will go to the polls June 1 in a non-binding referendum vote. Some surveys indicate that a simple majority of the country will vote No. As each nation must approve the constitution for it to take effect, the Netherlands appears to be the lone holdout now that French polls show support for the constitution, for which the country will stage a plebiscite on May 29.

British prime minister Tony Blair has revealed that England will not hold a referendum if the French turn down the constitution, as one nation’s No vote would send the document back to the drawing board. The English have also been wary of adopting the constitution.

The Dutch became a signatory to the EU’s establishment in 1992.

Copyright © 2024 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Justices Alito, Thomas Invoke Victorian-Era Morality Law, Raising Censorship Concerns

Several national publications reported this week on widespread concern among Free Speech advocates after U.S. Supreme Court Justices Samuel Scalia and Clarence Thomas repeatedly invoked during a hearing the infamous segregation-era law the Comstock Act, which was the cornerstone of U.S. censorship of sexual material from the 1870s until the 1970s.

TeamSkeet Releases 1st Installment of 'Ripe for the Taking'

TeamSkeet has released the first installment of its latest feature, "Ripe for the Taking," starring TeamSkeet March AllStar Scarlett Alexis.

Pineapple Support Appoints Kasey Kei as Brand Ambassador

Pineapple Support has appointed veteran performer and content creator Kasey Kei as its latest brand ambassador.

Nebraska AV Bill Moves Forward Despite Privacy, Free Speech Concerns

Nebraska’s unicameral Legislature has given first-round approval to LB 1092, the state’s version of the age verification bills being sponsored around the country by anti-porn religious conservative activists.

Eva Maxim, Katrina Colt Headline 'Cumming to LA' From Cherry Kiss

Eva Maxim and Katrina Colt star with Vince Karter in 2021 XBIZ Europas Female Performer of the Year Cherry Kiss' "Cumming to L.A.," from Evil Angel.

Performers in Meta Blacklisting Lawsuit Seek to Preserve Antitrust Claims

Adult Performance Artists Guild board officers Alana Evans, Kelly Pierce and Ruby have informed a California court that, although they want to drop their lawsuit claiming that Meta conspired with OnlyFans to blacklist rival premium fan platforms’ talent, they may still pursue antitrust claims in the future.

Skylar Snow Headlines 'Infidelity 4' From Sweet Sinner

Skylar Snow toplines "Infidelity 4," the latest release from Mile High Media studio brand Sweet Sinner.

Serenity Cox Stars in 'Enjoy It' From MILFY

Serenity Cox stars with Alberto Blanco in "Enjoy It," from Vixen Media Group studio imprint MILFY.

Melissa Stratton Stars in Finale of Wicked's 'So Extra'

Melissa Stratton and Robby Apples star in the final scene from Wicked Pictures' "So Extra."

BiPhoria Drops Jim Powers' 'Saying GoodBi'

BiPhoria has released director Jim Powers' "Saying GoodBi."

Show More