Binnenstad in Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands — Northwestern Europe

Jillis Bruggeman

— Walk of Pride Amsterdam —

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, August 31, 2026

1. Jillis Bruggeman Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Jillis Bruggeman
1775-1803
hij/hem he/him

Jillis Bruggeman, een koopman uit Waddinxveen, was de laatste persoon in Nederland die geëxecuteerd werd voor sodomie, oftewel seksuele handelingen met iemand van hetzelf de geslacht. De executie vond plaats in Schiedam.

Jillis Bruggeman, a merchant from Waddinxveen, was the last person in the Netherlands to be convicted and sentenced to death for sodomy of sexual acts with someone of the same sex. He was executed in Schiedam.

Erected 2026 by Walk of Pride Amsterdam. (Marker Number 02.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Events. In addition, it is included in the Walk of Pride Amsterdam series list. A significant historical date for this entry is March 9, 1803.

Location. 52° 22.396′ N, 4° 53.409′ E. Marker is in Amsterdam, Noord-Holland (North Holland). It is in Binnenstad. It is at the intersection of Raadhuisstraat and Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal, on the right when traveling west on Raadhuisstraat. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 182I, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland 1012 RR,

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Netherlands. Touch for directions.

Regionally, it is in Europe,

the European Union,

Atlantic Europe,

the Benelux Low Countries,

the Schengen Area,

Western Europe,

and the Western World.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Holy Roman Empire.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Gesina Dekker (here, next to this marker); Xica Manicongo (a few steps from this marker); David Kato (within shouting distance of this marker); FannyAnn Eddy (within shouting distance of this marker); Xulhaz Mannan (within shouting distance of this marker); Sarah Hegazi (within shouting distance of this marker); Emma Trosse (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Bier was hier / Beer was here (about 90 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Amsterdam.

Also see . . .
1. Jillis Bruggeman (Wikipedia, in Dutch). Overview:

Jillis Bruggeman (Waddinxveen, baptized 20 April 1755 – Schiedam, 9 March 1803) was the last person in the Netherlands to be executed for sexual relations with someone of the same sex.

(Submitted on September 14, 2026.)

2. Jillis Bruggeman (Walk of Pride Amsterdam).

Jillis Bruggeman Marker - wide view image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, August 31, 2026

2. Jillis Bruggeman Marker - wide view

Excerpt:

Hunting Sodomites: Same-sex relations had never been legal, but from the Middle Ages onward, the number of places—ranging from inns to haylofts—where like-minded people met increased. Fortunately, prosecution was rare. That changed in 1730–1731, when 40 men were convicted in Utrecht, 18 of whom were punished by strangulation. Clergymen preached hell and damnation: God would punish the Republic… unless Dutch society eradicated sodomy. Across the Netherlands, a hunt began in search of people who engaged in homosexual behavior (women were also arrested for lesbian behavior, but because they could not technically commit sodomy, they received lighter prison sentences). More than 200 men were executed in the Netherlands between 1730 and 1803. The executions drew large crowds; the verdicts and summonses were printed and sold in great numbers.

(Submitted on September 14, 2026.)

Credits. This page was last revised on September 14, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 14, 2026, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 7 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 14, 2026, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.