These are the words of article 1 of the Dutch Constitution and article 1 is not article 1 for nothing.
Amsterdam is well known for its tolerance but how tolerant is Amsterdam really? Has everyone really got equal rights?
Whatever the case may be, the article cites that in equal circumstances, equal treatment is called for.
The so-called liberty and freedom that The Netherlands traditionally offered, was in sharp contrast with the taboo on sodomy or same sex love that was widespread. Moreover, large scale persecution began in 1731. Homosexual behaviour was only decriminalised in 1811 after eighty years of heavy persecution.