Continued Resistance in Eindhoven
EINDHOVEN - Protesters took to the streets of Eindhoven on Saturday, January 10, continuing their opposition to controversial "faith healer" Tom de Wal and his Frontrunner Ministries. The demonstration comes just one day after De Wal was arrested in Tilburg for attempting to conduct an unauthorized conversion therapy service on a public sidewalk.
The protest was organized by Queer040 and Eindhoven Pride, two local LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations that have been vocal in their opposition to De Wal's planned "healing and liberation services" scheduled for the weekend of January 9-11.
A Weekend of Activism
The events in Eindhoven were originally planned to take place at a Van der Valk hotel, organized by "Goed Nieuws Eindhoven" - a group led by students of Tom de Wal. However, following pressure from LGBTQ+ organizations and consultations with police, the hotel cancelled the booking.
"These so-called healing services act as if being queer is a problem that needs to be solved. That is not only incorrect, but also harmful," said Johan Stribos, chairman of Queer040. "We hear too often how much pain and damage these kinds of messages cause. The idea that you are not good as you are can cause deep wounds, and no hotel should provide a platform for that."
Yesterday's Arrest in Tilburg
After the Eindhoven venue cancellation, Frontrunner Ministries attempted to relocate to a church in Tilburg on Friday. When the municipality prohibited that gathering due to lack of permits, De Wal defiantly attempted to conduct his services on the public sidewalk. Police intervened and arrested him during a live interview with Omroep Brabant.
De Wal was released before midnight and has vowed to continue his activities, framing his arrest as a "violation of religious freedom."
Standing Against Harmful Practices
De Wal's so-called "healing and liberation services" are controversial because he claims to be able to "cure" people of illnesses like MS and cancer, and "liberate" people from "demons" including autism and homosexuality.
LGBTQ+ organizations reject these practices as harmful conversion therapy. "Events like these spread the harmful idea that LGBTQ+ people should be 'repaired.' Something we firmly reject," the organizations stated in their call to action.
The incident highlights the ongoing struggle against conversion therapy practices in the Netherlands and demonstrates the power of community organizing in preventing platforms for those who spread harmful and discriminatory messages against the LGBTQ+ community.
