Dutch replace ‘maiden name’ with ‘birth name’ to spare gay blushes
The Dutch civil service has developed a new name for “maiden name” so married gay men won’t feel awkward.
“Geboortenaam” translates to “birth name”. It will replace maiden name on official forms, radio Netherlands reported on Wednesday.
The Dutch Language Union hopes it will save married gay men from any embarrassment when taking their spouses surname.
Despite its liberal reputation, Amsterdam and the rest of the Netherlands have been facing a rise in homophobic attacks over the last few years.
The government has committed to millions of Euros to fighting homophobia in the country.
A recent European poll found the Dutch to be the strongest supporters of same-sex marriage in the EU, with 82% in favour.
