Berlin’s leading CDU candidate, Stefan Evers, has spoken publicly about his own experiences with homophobia as a gay man in the open. When pressed in an interview with Tagesspiegel (a paywalled piece) about whether he has personally faced threatening situations, he said: “When you’re holding hands on the U7, there can be very uncomfortable moments. And as long as that’s the case, we must not let up in the fight for respect and diversity.”
Evers has long been active in queer politics, though he rarely discusses his private life. He explained to Tagesspiegel that he presents his political beliefs to voters, not his private life; his husband will continue to play no public role.
Evers calls for “Recognition of the Freedom of Every Individual”
“I find hate violence in every form unbearable,” said the incumbent Berlin state senator for finance and culture, who has also taken on the role of CDU state chairman as of Monday. “Everyone in this city, no matter where they come from, what they believe, whom they love, should be able to move around here safely and freely.” If a gay couple in the Nollendorfkiez cannot feel safe, one must not stay passive, the CDU’s top candidate asserted. He also noted with regard to Jews wearing kippahs in Neukölln that there is still much work to do.
When asked what should be done, Evers pointed to cultural and religious origins: “Often cultural backgrounds or religious-fundamentalist structures lie behind prejudices and assaults.” He cited a study by the Education Administration indicating that for almost 30 percent of Muslim students, Sharia law—not the Basic Law—governs. “That’s where it starts,” he said. “We must not rest until even the last person understands that in this country one must adhere to our rules. This clearly includes recognizing the freedom of every individual.”
Berlin as a City of “Endless Possibilities”
His vision for Berlin is that “all people have a chance to realize their personal vision,” said Evers, who was born in Herdecke and grew up in Paderborn. He said the city’s unique appeal connects him personally to the capital: “Since I arrived here at 19, this city has given me incredible freedoms and opened up endless possibilities. You don’t find that anywhere else in the world. Here you can really become anything, even a top candidate overnight. This is Berlin, this is the city I love.”
The Berlin CDU named Stefan Evers as the party’s new top candidate for the Parliament elections on September 20 after the resignation of incumbent Mayor Kai Wegner (TheColu.mn reported). When asked what would happen if he did not win the election, Evers gave a concise answer in the Tagesspiegel interview: “That is not intended.” He said he always aims for victory. (TheColu.mn reported)
