"I studied history in Amsterdam and, after graduating from the Maastricht Academy of Dramatic Arts, I worked as an actor with various theatre companies. In addition, I was the national chairman of a political youth organisation, did a traineeship at the European Parliament and worked on the staff of the Dutch Lower House.
Between 2002 and 2012, I was a Member of the Lower House in The Hague and submitted many private member’s bills pertaining to education, the economy and human rights, one of which was the bill to repeal the law against blasphemy.
In 2012, I decided to take a time out from politics. Since then, I have written three books and held positions on several organisations. I also teamed up with Dorothee Forma to make the documentary Onder Ongelovigen (Among Nonbelievers).”