By Jack Guy and Martin Goillandeau

A city in the Netherlands has severed ties with its sister city in Poland after the latter declared itself an "LGBT-free zone."

Nieuwegein, a city near Utrecht in central Netherlands, released a statement announcing the immediate end to its friendly relationship with the Polish city of Pulawy on Wednesday. The Nieuwegein City Council called on the municipal executive council to sever ties on July 13 after becoming aware of recent reports on the treatment of members of the LGBT community in Pulawy.

"In Nieuwegein everyone is allowed to be who he or she is, regardless of his or her sexual orientation, gender, religion or ethnic origin," said alderman Marieke Schouten. "LGBT-free zones like Pulawy are really unacceptable as far as we're concerned."

Nieuwegein council was made aware of Pulawy's declaration in January, said the statement, and sent a letter to its counterpart in the spring to express its concern. However, local authorities in Pulawy did not reply, the statement added.

"For the city council and the college, enough is enough," reads the statement. "A friendship between cities is precisely what should give room for dialogue on these issues. It is a pity that Pulawy does not want a conversation," said Schouten.

"I am glad that the city council draws a clear line and thus clearly speaks out in favor of inclusiveness." Read more via CNN