By Gudrun Schultz
AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands, June 7, 2006 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Canada is about to get a new member at the Dutch consulate in Montreal, after Holland’s homosexual ambassador to Estonia found Estonian society “is far from ready to accept two men [as a couple].”
Hans Glaubitz requested a transfer to Canada after complaining of “discrimination and racism” directed against his same-sex partner, a black Cuban national, on the streets of the Estonian capital Tallinn.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Herman van Gelderen said Tuesday that Mr. Glaubitz will receive the requested transfer and join the Dutch consulate in Montreal, reported the AP.
“This is partly because of unpleasant experiences in Tallinn but also partly because we’re looking for the best possible people in Montreal,” Van Gelderen said.
A weekly Estonian paper revealed the couple were gay last year, according to the Dutch paper NRC Handelsblad. Mr. Glaubitz told the ministry his partner was verbally attacked on the streets of Tallinn several times.
Spokesman Van Gelderen said there would be no “diplomatic row” over the incident, although Dutch Foreign Minister Ben Bot will meet with the Estonian minister about the matter. Glaubitz told the NRC, “We can’t do anything about bad manners on the street. I am, moreover, convinced that most Estonians are very nice and polite.”