In a major step forward, the Dutch House of Representatives has voted to allow women to pass on their last names to their children, regardless of the father’s consent.
It’s fairly old-fashioned, but Dutch fathers can currently prevent their children from having a double surname, according to NU.nl.
Even if the mother wishes to give the child a double surname, the child automatically retains the father’s surname if the father disagrees. According to the Rijksoverheid, the law requires that both parents agree to a double name; otherwise, it’s a no-go.
Parental naming rights will finally be on equal footing
Proposed by GroenLinks-PvdA and D66 MPs Songul Mutluer and Joost Sneller, the idea is to give mothers the chance to pass on their legacy, even in contentious situations.
As reported by NOS, one concern is that the current arrangement makes it possible to use the issue of the surname to pressure or exert power over the mother.
In a difficult case of divorce, domestic abuse, or conflict, a mother who wishes to add her name to the child’s is at the mercy of the father’s willingness to consent.
The new proposal would prioritise parental rights on equal footing. Rather than using the father’s name as the default, for instance, both parents’ names would be listed in alphabetical order, writes NOS.
What’s in a name?
Mutluer and Sneller argue that the current standard “does not align with contemporary views on parental equality,” reports NOS. After all, the original law was written in 1811!
As Mutluer put it, “A surname is about identity, family, and recognition.” It seems fair and logical that both parents should be allowed to pass on that element of their legacy.
With this motion approved, the government now has the momentum and urgency to change the law as soon as possible.
And it only took 200 years!
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