House Speaker of the far-right PVV, Martin Bosma, argued that MPS must wear neutral clothing. He initially thought that he was allowing her to continue, but objections from other party leaders led him to enforce the rules.
Ouwehhand refused to challenge Bosma to eliminate her if she violated the regulations before leaving the Chamber of Commerce in protest. She later returned wearing another symbol of Palestinian solidarity, a watermelon patterned blouse, and was allowed to present her proposal without further objection.
Videos of the incident, including her return on Watermelon Blouse, have been widely shared on social media. Supporters praised her move as an act of courage.
There is no formal dress code in the assembly, and speakers will make decisions on enforcement. This is a practice that often causes conflict. Owand said her clothes were intended to express solidarity with the Palestinians and criticize Israel’s refusal to view Israeli war on Gaza as genocide.
In an Instagram video, she wrote:
The conflict underscored the controversy surrounding the political symbolism of Congress. In the same discussion, Denk Party leader Stephen Van Baal was wearing a pin featuring the Palestinian flag, while BBB Party members displayed yellow ribbons to show support for Israeli prisoners of war in Gaza.
MNA/