Dutch church accused of castrating young boys in 1950s

At least 10 men and boys under the age of 21 were castrated in a bid to rid them of homosexuality while under the care of the Dutch Roman Catholic Church in the 1950s, a British newspaper reported, citing the work of an investigative journalist.

The Telegraph said on its website that evidence of the castrations has emerged amid a controversy over the omission of that information from the official report on sexual abuse within the church issued last year.

Dutch members of parliament were expected to call for an investigation into the allegations Tuesday, according to The Telegraph’s report.


"I am shocked that boys were being castrated in the 1950s," Khadija Arib, a Labour MP, told The Telegraph. "I want an independent investigation. We must find out how many cases there were, who knew about it and why the government did not act."

 

At least one case has attracted a lot of attention.

The NRC Handelsblad newspaper identified Henk Heithuis, who was castrated in 1956 as a minor after he reportedly went to authorities about abuse he suffered at a Catholic boarding house, The Telegraph reported.

He died two years later in a car crash.

Joep Dohmen, the journalist who uncovered the Heithuis case, told the Telegraph that he found evidence of at least nine other castrations.

"These cases are anonymous and can no longer be traced," he told The Telegraph. "There will be many more. But the question is whether those boys, now old men, will want to tell their story."

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As an x catholic, I am not surprised. As time goes on, the more sickness in the church I find. Very sick! This church has done more damage to people than anyone knows. If it had been my son, I'd have killed these people!

  • 3 votes
Reply#26 - Tue Mar 20, 2012 2:21 PM EDT

Wow they did this to these men and boys but let their priests rape and molest freely. They protected their perverts for decades and let them continue to be around children knowing what they were doing. Very sick.

  • 2 votes
Reply#27 - Tue Mar 20, 2012 2:21 PM EDT

Another reason I really dislike the Catholic Church. Why such a depraved religious organization has lasted this long is beyond me. Talk about Jesus' biggest disappointment.

  • 2 votes
Reply#28 - Tue Mar 20, 2012 2:22 PM EDT

Great; let's give Santorum more ideas.

  • 4 votes
Reply#29 - Tue Mar 20, 2012 2:22 PM EDT

I wonder if castration works on authority figures wearing religious robes to protect them from justice after molesting children.

I bet it would.

What was it....something about those who say they are Jews, but are actually the synagogue of Satan. I think I have read that somewhere. I bet that statement applies to this situation and Christians as well. You either serve God or you are a zealot with an unhealthy mind that knows of God, who runs around and castrates children. You can't do both.

    Reply#30 - Tue Mar 20, 2012 2:22 PM EDT

    Wow. Glad the trial is over. Nobody noticed that other than an investigative journalists story, there is no proof of this as yet. Witnesses are dead or not talking. How convenient. I guess it MUST be true, the newspaper said so.

    • 2 votes
    Reply#31 - Tue Mar 20, 2012 2:22 PM EDT

    You're absolutely right. Nothing has been proven. And, priests don't molest little boys, and bishops don't cover up, and all is bright and sunny in Kim-land. How do you breathe with your head in the sand?

    • 1 vote
    #31.1 - Tue Mar 20, 2012 2:33 PM EDT

    Kim-1577662 - there is no proof of this as yet.

    Right.......no "proof", just the written evidence which the Deetman commission uncovered and then deliberately excluded from its report.

    http://www.dutchnews.nl/news/archives/2012/03/catholic_church_abuse_at_least.php

    http://www.dutchnews.nl/news/archives/2011/12/commission_identifies_800_prie.php

      #31.2 - Tue Mar 20, 2012 3:03 PM EDT
      Reply

      x

        Reply#32 - Tue Mar 20, 2012 2:23 PM EDT

        And these are the guys who Daryl Issa thinks we should listen to about women's health.

        The crusades, subjugation of women for centuries, raping little boys for decades, interfering with governmental health care when 99.9% of their own flock uses birth control. Why is anyone still listening to these insane, evil hypocrites?

        • 5 votes
        Reply#33 - Tue Mar 20, 2012 2:24 PM EDT

        I didn't even know that there was a dutch roman catholic church. I was raised catholic and left the church for a long time, recently I have been taking my Grandma to church to a parish where two priests have been thrown out for molesting boys. She cannot even bare to speak their names without tears. The disgust she has for them has not ruined her faith and for that I am grateful. As far as I am concerned about the church I feel that they are as responsible for this stuff as much as the priests, only they are worse because they keep it quiet.

        • 2 votes
        Reply#34 - Tue Mar 20, 2012 2:24 PM EDT

        seriously is any one suprised by the extremes of religious orgs. sickened yes but suprised never, look how far the catholic church has gone even in the 1970's, 80's, & 90's to hide molestation by church officials of young children. the previous pope and the present pope were the officials that before becoming pope involved with the cover up. but again this is the same with crazy politicians that are still trying to push religion into government and return to these same types of policies. (ie santorum) pushing their views of morality deep into the government with church support, so the church can reek havoc on what they belief to be sinful,( ie birth control, abortions, gay rights, peoples rights to health care). the founding fathers realized the deeper religion gets into government affairs, how much the progression of a society slows, and how many long bloody wars have to be fought. they is why they inclosed, yes religious freedom but also seperation of church and state. thye were wise. look back at history and lok at how people were persecuted because of religion, and how many people died in long bloody wars. prime example the middle east these people have been battling differences since way before the birth of christ and they continue today.

        • 2 votes
        Reply#35 - Tue Mar 20, 2012 2:26 PM EDT

        The middle eastern muslims must be descendants of the priests of that era only now the muslims are cutting out the clitoris' of young muslim girls instead.

        Thankfully the National Organization of Women is all over that practice.

        • 1 vote
        Reply#36 - Tue Mar 20, 2012 2:26 PM EDT

        Yes, this was wrong. It was also in the 1950's. Nobody's perfect, not Catholics, not Muslims, nor Protestants, nor Atheists. We're all just people, trying to do what's right, and hating won't do any good. Are we really going to protest something that happened so long ago?

          Reply#37 - Tue Mar 20, 2012 2:27 PM EDT

          Yes, and they damn well should! Had this been your child it was done you wouldn't care how long it takes to find some justice for a wrong.

          Go slither back under your rock!

          • 2 votes
          #37.1 - Tue Mar 20, 2012 2:37 PM EDT

          emmy, how is castration trying to do whats right?

          We still prosecute death camp guards, even though they are in their late 80's early 90's for something they did "so long ago" should we stop doing that?

          • 2 votes
          #37.2 - Tue Mar 20, 2012 2:38 PM EDT

          emmy-2527671 - Yes, this was wrong. It was also in the 1950's.

          A shame the church hasn't evolved since, and remains a homophobic cesspool.

          • 3 votes
          #37.3 - Tue Mar 20, 2012 3:06 PM EDT

          Emmy

          You say nobody perfect. If you think this was just a mistake thats the same thing they say about people who joined the Nazi Youth Party. Bottom line is they should have know better. I know that I personally would never stand by and watch such abuse go on. Its all about power for them. They need to be punished by the law no matter how long ago it was. The catholic church has been guilt tripping its member for years, thats how they control. A true religious person does not need a church and they expect ALL beliefs.

            #37.4 - Tue Mar 20, 2012 4:55 PM EDT
            Reply

            Amazingly barbaric approach to the issue. It's old news. Hardly worthy of news today let alone an investigation.

            • 1 vote
            Reply#38 - Tue Mar 20, 2012 2:27 PM EDT

            Organized Religion is the source of ALL evil in this world!

            • 1 vote
            Reply#39 - Tue Mar 20, 2012 2:27 PM EDT

            The catholics wonder why their people are RUNNING to other deniminations

              Reply#40 - Tue Mar 20, 2012 2:28 PM EDT

              Parents are responsible for their children and children should feel like they can come to their parents about anything. Anyone at any time can be a victim of any crime, you do not have to be a member of a particular church, school, etc to become a victim. So be responsible people and watch people... my family is Catholic and my husband and I re-enforce to our daughter to talk with us anytime and that no one should ever touch her inappropriately, not her father, grandfather, brother, teacher, priest, gym teacher, no one. That's it. No blame on any particular religon, school, or facility as the YMCA; only blame the person who committed the act they are the one with this damming issue. No matter what position you are in as leaders all should be punished accourding to the law and then when they die they will have to face God alone and God will show no mercy for someone who has hurt his children...

              • 1 vote
              Reply#41 - Tue Mar 20, 2012 2:29 PM EDT

              Until the world is rid of all religion, the human race will never advance...plain and simple. Religion is the fall of mankind.

              • 3 votes
              Reply#42 - Tue Mar 20, 2012 2:29 PM EDT

              Religion is the fall of mankind...Religion or rather the LAW any inflates Sin (1 Cor 15:56)
              People must be taught to seek a relationship with God not religion. Religion manipulates and tells you how unworthy and sinful you are. Relationship tells you how because you are so worthy and so loved - God sent His only begotten Son not to condemn the world but so that thru Him the world may be SAVED. (John 3:16).
              Jesus came and Died for the Ungodly. Religion (law) was sent by Moses but Grace and Truth CAME through Jesus Christ.

              • 1 vote
              #42.1 - Tue Mar 20, 2012 3:07 PM EDT

              Because atheism did so well. Let's ignore the fact that secular atheistic communism murdered 300,000,000 people in the past century, right?

              • 1 vote
              #42.2 - Tue Mar 20, 2012 4:14 PM EDT
              Reply

              The Catholic church exists and thrives because it serves one purpose: the Catholic church. This "religion" is filled with guilt, coercion, lies, manipulation, and greed. The church hierarchy hides all of the abuse and pay off the victims, yet allow it to continue. There are several examples I can cite where the church is in direct opposition to the Bible:

              1) The Pope is a man, nothing more. He is not "the Holy one" There was only one Holy one.

              2) Mary is/was nobody. That is why the whole scenario is so significant. She was not a saint, she should not be revered, and she certainly shouldn't be prayed to.

              3) The ridiculous notion of confession. The priest cannot forgive your sins, nor can he intercede on your behalf. Only one can forgive your sins, and you have to ask for yourself. Also, you certainly can't say a set number of prayers (or Hail Marys, see #2, above), put a few bucks in the collection plate, and buy your way out of hot water.

              4) The whole opposition of birth control is to propagate the church, and to brainwash and mind control its members.

              5) Sin is sin. There are no little or big sins. All sin is sin.

              6) There is no such place as purgatory. There is no rest area on your way to heaven. You can't be prayed into heaven. If you haven't lived a life worthy of eternity before you die, it's too late. Your mama and grandma can't get you there.

              As my wife says, "Sometimes, I think God must just want to throw up!"

              • 5 votes
              Reply#43 - Tue Mar 20, 2012 2:30 PM EDT

              Living a Life worthy of Eternity .....is impossible to do. If it was possible for man to live a life which makes him worthy of heaven ---then Jesus died for nothing. the blood of Jesus was the only suitable atonement for the sins of the world.
              Not your good behavior. IT'S NOT BASED ON WHAT YOU DO BUT RATHER WHAT JESUS HAS DONE. IT'S NOT ABOUT WHO YOU ARE, BUT RATHER WHO HE IS. I AM FORGIVEN BECAUSE HE WAS FORSAKEN !!!!!!!!!!!

              It's not based on works lest any man should boast.

              Ephes. 2:9

                #43.1 - Tue Mar 20, 2012 6:16 PM EDT
                Reply

                And yet people will still blindly follow the Roman Catholic Cult. Just like lemmings over a cliff.

                • 4 votes
                Reply#44 - Tue Mar 20, 2012 2:31 PM EDT

                Just like obama lemmings over a cliff you mean ..

                • 1 vote
                #44.1 - Tue Mar 20, 2012 2:34 PM EDT

                somedude-506636, this has nothing to do with Obama, so why can't you just leave that out of your comments for once?

                It's been 3 years and 4 months since the last Presidential election. When will you get it through your head that you lost? And lost big! And the President didn't even have to have his brother buy the election like the last President did.

                Just a little piece of advice. Get used to it. You're gonna have 4 more years of it. That's a LOT of angry, irrelevant posting!

                • 2 votes
                #44.2 - Tue Mar 20, 2012 2:39 PM EDT

                give me a choice bush or obama -you would have to be a complete idiot to chose bush or any crooked republican - interesting - story about the catholic church and more horror stories and you bring obama into it - so dude no problem with what the church did to these boys - it s all ok with you as long as it is in the name of your made up god - you would be going to hell if there was such a place

                  #44.3 - Tue Mar 20, 2012 2:43 PM EDT

                  Wrong fred, I'm no fan of catholic priests . They need to be neutered themselves. Oh and carking go lick your nuts .

                  • 1 vote
                  #44.4 - Tue Mar 20, 2012 4:49 PM EDT

                  They teach you not to think. My mother was asked to leave her church because she asked to many questions. Follow the church blindly, do not think for yourself. How many people go to church because their parents taught them to go and how many still go out of guilt. Brainwashing is a powerful tool that the church uses well. Ask the average child why they go to sunday school and they will tell you its to play, but how much brainwashing is going on during that play.

                    #44.5 - Tue Mar 20, 2012 5:02 PM EDT

                    somedude, you just proved what I suspected all along. With a comment like that, I'm certain that no one will every take you seriously.

                    And, I can't lick the nuts, they're all in Illinois today, campaigning in the Republican primary.

                    It sucks to be a frustrated bigot, doesn't it?

                      #44.6 - Tue Mar 20, 2012 5:14 PM EDT
                      Reply

                      Hey how does this sound? That mexican Juan Corona back in the 70's murdered 25 men. Mexicans are messed up. Look what Gacy and Bundy did. Whites are just terrible. If the above article is true then the "Catholic Church" is sick. Don't be so narrow minded so as to generalize. Think before you comment.

                        Reply#45 - Tue Mar 20, 2012 2:31 PM EDT

                        Crusades, spanish inquisition, I could go on.

                        • 3 votes
                        #45.1 - Tue Mar 20, 2012 2:32 PM EDT

                        Taliban removing the clitoris' of young muslim girls - TODAY !!! No look back required.

                        Ooops, how clumsy of me to say anything about the muslims.

                        They are just not as guilty as other religions.

                        • 1 vote
                        #45.2 - Tue Mar 20, 2012 2:38 PM EDT
                        Reply

                        Religion just needs to cease to exist for the greater good of mankind.

                        • 3 votes
                        Reply#46 - Tue Mar 20, 2012 2:31 PM EDT

                        But who will we turn to when we just can't go on and need help? And what is that shiny glass looking thing over the sink in my bathroom with the strange person that keeps staring at me in it?

                        • 2 votes
                        #46.1 - Tue Mar 20, 2012 2:35 PM EDT

                        Atheistic communists tried to do that. Murdered 300,000,000 people in the process, and got stuck in the 1940's at that as well.

                        • 1 vote
                        #46.2 - Tue Mar 20, 2012 4:16 PM EDT

                        Actually the murders were because they weren't communists, Christians were the only ones not accepting communism so they were killed. Besides, even if the motivation was because of atheism (which it wasn't the motivation), if you add up the crusades, 'witch' burnings, the spanish inquisition, and the slaughter of native americans, you have a far larger death toll, and also, the death toll wasn't 300m it was 30m and done not for atheism but for communism.

                          #46.3 - Wed Mar 21, 2012 1:15 PM EDT
                          Reply

                          And the hits just keep on coming.

                          How can any catholic defend their church anymore? To say these are the actions of a few bad apples is one thing. But the cover-up goes all of the way to the top.

                          • 3 votes
                          Reply#47 - Tue Mar 20, 2012 2:32 PM EDT

                          I agree. Its time for the true catholics to stand up to those in their church and demand accountably. Time to clean up or clean out.

                            #47.1 - Tue Mar 20, 2012 5:06 PM EDT
                            Reply

                            i wonder what other loving things the Roman Catholic Church is still doing...i just don't remember this in the bible...the churches seem to feel they can do anything they want in the name of God...they need to start paying taxes...

                            • 3 votes
                            Reply#48 - Tue Mar 20, 2012 2:33 PM EDT

                            Well then I suppose they have a lot of catholic priests to castrate , better get started .

                            • 2 votes
                            Reply#49 - Tue Mar 20, 2012 2:33 PM EDT

                            Remember - The Pope is more disturbed by the disloyalty of those who leaked internal documents - than what information those documents contain...

                            'about corruption, poor financial management, and money laundering in the Vatican than he was by corruption, poor financial management and money laundering in the Vatican. - '

                            • 3 votes
                            Reply#50 - Tue Mar 20, 2012 2:34 PM EDT
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