TV presenter takes campaign for equality to Dutch elections

THE HAGUE, Netherlands – TV presenter Sylvana Simons is taking her campaign for equality in Dutch society into the country's pelections.

Simons, who is of Surinamese descent and last year endured a stream of online racial abuse, has named her party Article 1. That refers to the opening paragraph of the Dutch constitution, which outlaws discrimination based on race, religion, gender or any other reason.

Launching a book summarizing her party's message, Simons said Friday: "The trouble is, our constitution's first article is under pressure."

Her message is a stark contrast to the polarizing anti-Islam rhetoric of lawmaker Geert Wilders, but while Wilders' Party for Freedom is forecast to make major gains at March 15 elections for Parliament's lower house, Simons' party has a fight on its hands to win a single seat.