Integration Minister Eberhard van der Laan has called on Dutch municipalities to stop offering separate citizenship and integration classes for men and women.

Earlier, the lower house of parliament called on the minister to stop single-sex classes as it impedes the emancipation of women. Some 15 percent of Dutch municipalities are currently offering single-sex integration and citizenship classes.

Supporters of separate classes say it increases the number of women who participate but opponents says it perpetuates stereotypical ideas about women and does not promote equality between the sexes. They also say that single-sex classes do not reflect the makeup of Dutch society and will not help people integrate.

Mr van der Laan says he will investigate the matter.

Photo: Integration Minister Eberhard van der Laan - vrom.nl