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more work on the softdrugs section
The Netherlands is also famous for its low-crime rate (although comparable to other western European nations) and [[liberal]] legislation. Examples are licensed prostitution in designated areas of major cities, such as Amsterdam's Red Light District, the legal soft[[drugs]] sold in the country's many coffee shops, wide [[abortion]] rights, [[same-sex marriage]]s and [[euthanasia]].
The Netherlands is also famous for its low-crime rate (although comparable to other western European nations) and [[liberal]] legislation. Examples are licensed prostitution in designated areas of major cities, such as Amsterdam's Red Light District, the legal soft[[drugs]] sold in the country's many coffee shops, wide [[abortion]] rights, [[same-sex marriage]]s and [[euthanasia]].
==Softdrugs==
Consuming and carrying softdrugs ([[marijuana]], [[absinth]], [[hashish]] and [[magic mushrooms]]) were made legal in the Netherlands in 1976 in a final attempt to stop drug-related crime in the 1970's, softdrugs can be legally purchased by individuals over 18 in the famed (licensed) coffee shops, that do sell coffee as well, but are prohibited from serving alcohol.
The Dutch policy regarding softdrugs (and previously prostitution) is called "gedoogbeleid" (condonement policy).
This means that although certain behavior is officially prohibit by law, a condonement clause prevents law enforcement agencies from persecuting this behavior, this clause is, legally speaking, not a law and can be reverted much easier than a regular law.
Interestingly growing marijuana and hashish is still officially illegal, causing coffee shop owners to rely on illegal homegrown products, only two state run companies are exempted from this rule in order to grow marijuana for medicinal purposes.
Leftist movements have stated that the government should make its mind up: "either make growing marijuana and hashish legal, or ban softdrugs altogether".
The legal status of softdrugs has had no significant adverse effects on Dutch society and it seems the 1976 experiment has worked out.
This is probably due to the fact that it has become a more or less socially accepted drug like alcohol and tobacco.
This is probably due to the fact that it has become a more or less socially accepted drug like alcohol and tobacco.
This removes the need for dealers and effectively terminates its status as an anti-establishment symbol as well as its popularity among thrill-seeking youths.
This removes the need for dealers and effectively terminates its status as an anti-establishment symbol as well as its popularity among thrill-seeking youths.
The Dutch government is currently (2007) considering banning magic mushrooms, after a French tourist committed suicide after eating one.
The Dutch government is currently (2007) considering banning magic mushrooms, after a French tourist committed suicide after eating a mushroom.
The Dutch policy towards softdrugs continues to be opposed by conservative Christians and Muslims.
==Queen's Day==
==Queen's Day==