Wouter Van Bellingen

Wouter Van Bellingen (born 20 April 1972) is a Rwandan-born Belgian politician for the Sociaal-Liberale Partij. He was previously employed by the city of Sint-Niklaas as a civil servant working on youth and developing world issues.

Wouter Van Bellingen
Wouter Van Bellingen at the multicultural mass wedding event in 2007
Born	(1972-04-20) 20 April 1972 Antwerp, Belgium
Nationality	Belgian
Occupation	Politician

Since 2 January 2007, Van Bellingen is an alderman in Sint-Niklaas, where he lives. As such, he became the first black alderman in Flanders.[1] He is responsible for the city's activities related to youths, parties, international projects, civilian affairs and the civil registry and some administrative functions.[2]

Van Bellingen drew media attention in February 2007 when it was reported that 3 couples cancelled their wedding ceremony because they didn't want to be wed by a black registrar.[3][4] In response to the event, Van Bellingen decided to organise a multicultural wedding event on 21 March 2007, which is also the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.[5] 626 couples were symbolically married by Van Bellingen that day[6] and this event was perceived as a strong anti-racism signal.[7]

Van Bellingen was placed for adoption by his Rwandan mother. He grew up in Sint-Niklaas as the youngest son in a family with 4 adopted children.[8] He is married and has 2 children. He was very active in the different sections of the youth councils in Flanders, and a scouting leader.