Lilian Janse, the first female SGP councilor, dreams of becoming a member of Parliament. But within the orthodox-Christian party, the position on women is sensitive. This will also become clear today, as members consider the ban on women in politics.
Janse was never fanatically involved, but always dreamed of political work. Her father was a councilor in Vlissingen for many years, and Janse saw up close how beautiful the work was.
In 2014, she became the first female SGP councilor in the Netherlands. Her father, who as a board member was looking for candidates for the list, casually said over a cup of coffee that they could not find a leader.
“Then I actually spontaneously offered that I wanted to do it,” Janse tells NU.nl. The Vlissingen board agreed, and Janse got enough votes for a seat.
Now, after more than ten years, she dreams of a seat in Parliament. But within the party, there are still different thoughts about the position on women. For example, the basic program still states that women should not hold political positions. Members will vote on Saturday at the party conference on a proposal to amend the text.
The Board of the SGP Section in Vlissingen has Submitted the Motion. You are not Involved, but you are on the barricades for it. Why do you attach importance to amending the article?
“It still says that sitting in political bodies stems from a revolutionary emancipation effort. And that that is not the calling of women. While there are already women, like me, who are politically active. So we say A, but do B. That grates.”
At the party conference, members will vote on amending the text. The Sentence “The Woman Should Consider in Her Own Conscience Whether It is appropriate to stand as a candidate or hold a political position, Taking into account her place given by God” is added. Why is the article not deleted?
“That was on the table, but it turned out to be too rigorous a proposal. When you submit a motion, you have a discussion within the party, and then it turned out that there was no support. Then you count your buttons, because you want something to change.”
The Party Board Has Still advised Against the Motion, Because they want to Mintain Unity Within the Party. That Means They Are Calling on Members Not To Agree. What do you think of that?
“I think it’s a shame that they take such an attitude. If you talk to many people about the ban, you notice that everyone also looks at contemporary practice. Many women also have management positions outside of politics. Why shouldn’t that be possible in politics?”
“But a small minority of the SGP supporters threaten to turn their backs on the party if something changes in the position on women. I think the board is acting out of fear.”
Aren’t you afraid that the discussion will be pushed to the extreme?
“Causing a split is never the intention. I am sure that the submitters are not out to do that at all and will seek connection on Saturday.”
“I also don’t understand why the small group of opponents don’t want to talk and threaten. I actually find it a bit of blackmail. Hold on to each other. There are more topics than the position on women.”
The motion will probably not pass on Saturday, because SGP Members Generally Follow the Advice of the Head Office.
“I think so too. But the story is not over yet.”
No?
“No. The Vlissingen board has also nominated me for a place on the list of candidates for the next parliamentary elections. I actually find that much more exciting.”
“When drawing up the list, the party must adhere to its own statutes. Which were amended after the ruling of the Supreme Court.”
Why would you like to Become a Member of Parliament?
“I think it is important that a woman once comes on the list of the House of Representatives. I think that men and women should do it together. We need each other and you complement each other. I think you then come to the best proposals and solutions.”
Do you expect to get a place on the list, Given the Reluctance of the Head Office?
“I don’t have to be number 1, you know. Place 33 or so, that’s fine too!”