ABSTRACT
We are fond of calling the Senate a chambre de reflexion, a room for thorough consideration of proposed laws and government policies. Our democratic system was built on the fundamental freedoms, starting with the freedom of religion that was explicitly acknowledged as early as 1579 with the Union of Utrecht. This has been part of our peace treaties, together with the care for minorities and the responsibility to protect our society against the negative ways in which worldviews and also religions can be used.
