The Netherlands has developed a DVD for prospective immigrants that highlights some of the more liberal aspects of Dutch society, including the act mentioned above. Critics say it's aimed at keeping Islamic immigrants out; proponents say, "hey, the Netherlands are liberal -- get used to it."

An excerpt from the NYT story:

This is not exactly a run-of-the-mill homework assignment: watch a film clip of an attractive woman sunbathing topless, and try not to be shocked.

Conservative Muslims thinking about living in the Netherlands must be prepared for a permissive society with liberal values, the Dutch say.

"People do not make a fuss about nudity," the narrator explains.

That lesson, about the Netherlands' nude beaches, is followed by another: homosexuals have the same rights here as heterosexuals do, including the chance to marry.

Just to make sure everyone gets the message, two men are shown kissing in a meadow.

The scenes are brief parts of a two-hour-long film that the Dutch government has compiled to help potential immigrants, many of them from Islamic countries, meet the demands of a new entrance examination that went into effect on Wednesday. In the exam, candidates must prove they can speak some Dutch and are at least aware of the Netherlands' liberal values, even if they do not agree with all of them.

Opponents of the tightening immigration policies have pointed to the film — a DVD contained in a package of study materials for the new exam — as an attempt by the government to discourage applicants from Islamic countries who may be offended by its content.

Dutch politicians and immigration officials have dismissed those accusations, saying the film, blandly titled "To the Netherlands," is a study aid that will give potential immigrants an honest look at the way life is lived here.

"The film is meant for people not yet in Holland to take note that this is normal here and not be shocked and awed by it once they arrive," said Ayaan Hirsi Ali, a Somali-born member of the Dutch Parliament.

But Abdou Menebhi, chairman of Emcemo, a Moroccan interest group in Amsterdam, said the film was just another example of how the Netherlands was trying to limit immigration from Muslim countries.

"This isn't education, it's provocation," Mr. Menebhi said. "The new law has one goal: to stop the flow of immigrants, especially by Muslims from countries like Morocco and Turkey."

Globeandmail.com also had a March 15 story on the DVD. Here are some additional excerpts:

Anti-immigration sentiment peaked with filmmaker Theo van Gogh's murder by a Dutch national of Moroccan descent in November, 2004.

Both praise and scorn have been poured on Immigration Minister Rita Verdonk, the architect of the new test and other policies that have reduced immigration by at least one-third.

“If you pass, you're more than welcome,” Ms. Verdonk said. “It is in the interest of Dutch society and those concerned.”

Not everyone is happy with the new test.

“Today is a black day for the people intending to bring their partners to Holland,” said Buitenlandse Partner, a lobbying group for mixed Dutch/immigrant couples.

Dutch theologian Karel Steenbrink criticized the 105-minute movie, saying it would be offensive to some Muslims.

“It is not a prudent way of welcoming people to the Netherlands,” said Mr. Steenbrink, a professor at the University of Utrecht. “Minister Verdonk has radical ideas.”

But Mohammed Sini, the chairman of Islam and Citizenship, a national Muslim organization, defended the film, saying that homosexuality is “a reality.”

Mr. Sini urged all immigrants “to embrace modernity.”

Frankly, I don't think the DVD is a bad idea. If someone is considering emigrating from a  conservative, religious society to a modern, liberal one, perhaps they should be first exposed to a few of its realities before pulling up stakes and moving.

The DVD also apparently lets people know that Dutch people aren't among the world's warmest (I met one Dutch woman who said she found Torontonians positively huggy compared to those in her homeland, and this place has a rep of being a socially cold city).

Look at it the other way. If you were hoping to move to South Dakota, wouldn't you like to be warned in advance about the state government's feelings on abortion? How about Florida's gun laws?

At the same time, maybe the Netherlands has to look at itself and decide whether the problem of Muslims integrating into Dutch society is solely one-way.

The BBC is doing a three-part series on Europe's angry young Muslims. Part One looked at Muslims in England and France. Part Two looked at the Netherlands. Part Three examined Milan. If you're interested in this topic, it's worth your while to read them.

Addendum:

There's also the BBC's Muslims in Europe in-depth feature.