The suspension of presentor Arie Boomsma by the evangelical broadcaster EO for posing half naked in a women’s magazine is strange to say the least in a country that is known for its liberal sexual attitude.

It’s even stranger when you realise that the EO is part of the public broadcasting system and receives funding from tax payers. Much of this revenue comes from people whose attitudes to sex would make the EO shudder.
In short, the broadcaster is partly funded by sinners! It also means that tax payers are funding a broadcaster which promotes views that they wouldn’t foist on their worst enemies.
The presenter in question is a photogenic hunk, undoubtedly chosen by the EO as much for his good looks as his religious conviction. The EO has to use the same strategies to attract viewers as secular broadcasters.
And will increasingly find itself in absurd situations. The controversial magazine photos will be published at the same time as the broadcaster launches a new series entitled 40 Days Without Sex.
This conflict between secular society and its strict religious roots of the past can also be seen in the government where the small ChristenUnie religious party is trying to revert to fundamental Christian ideals by, for example, restricting Sunday shopping.