In the Netherlands everyone has the same basic rights. These rights are written in the constitution (de Grondwet). You can answer most exam questions with one idea: everyone is equal and free, but harming others is forbidden.

Equality and discrimination

Discrimination (de discriminatie) is forbidden. This is the first article of the constitution. Nobody may be treated differently because of religion, belief, political opinion, race, sex or sexual orientation.
Women and men have the same rights (dezelfde rechten): at school, at work, in marriage and in politics.
Homosexuality (de homoseksualiteit) is allowed (toegestaan). Since 2001 two men or two women can also marry. Discriminating against gay people is punishable (strafbaar).

Freedoms

Freedom of religion: everyone may follow any religion or none at all. The state has no official religion; church and state are separate (scheiding van kerk en staat). There are many religions in the Netherlands and many people who are not religious.
Freedom of the press: newspapers, radio and television may give their own opinion freely. There are many TV channels, both public and commercial.
Free choice of partner: everyone chooses for themselves whom they marry. Forcing someone to marry is a crime.

Acts that are crimes (strafbaar)

Violence against a woman or partner (domestic violence, huiselijk geweld): a crime, also inside the home.
Female genital mutilation (de vrouwenbesnijdenis): a crime, also when it is done abroad.
Having or carrying a weapon without a permit (wapenbezit zonder vergunning): a crime.

Learn the words toegestaan (allowed) and strafbaar (punishable) well: many exam questions ask you to choose between these two.