Are Rainbow Flags Banned? Security Issues at Wacken Open Air

On Saturday, Hamburg sparked widespread anger when security at the Europa Passage shopping center refused entry to visitors carrying rainbow flags during the CSD celebrations. On Monday, the center’s manager apologized. Queer.de reported on the development. At the same time, participants at the Wacken Open Air festival, about 75 kilometers away, said security personnel at the heavy-metal event in the Schleswig-Holstein village had trouble with rainbow flags—as well as anti-AfD stickers. The organizers have since said that such behavior is unacceptable and that steps are being taken.

Multiple festival-goers, who attended the event last week from Wednesday through Sunday, took to social media to report that individual security staff at entrances and on site asked them to remove, wrap, or conceal rainbow flags, anti-AfD patches (“Fuck AfD”, “No time for Nazis”), or other political pins and stickers. In some cases, attendees who refused faced the threat of a ban. The reports spread quickly across social networks and drew sharp criticism.

These actions were never our intention
In a post, the organizers explicitly push back against the notion that queer people would feel unwelcome at the Heavy Metal festival: “At this point, we want to express our clear stance: these actions were never in line with our values. Wacken Open Air stands for openness and tolerance. We are a place for peaceful encounters within the metal community and we support freedom of expression. We strongly oppose right-wing extremism.” The post does not explain how these incidents could have occurred, nor does it include an apology.

Nevertheless, it is assured that the matter is taken seriously and that “a bundle of measures” has already been put in place to prevent a recurrence. “We have issued an unambiguous internal statement, launched intensive awareness-raising steps, and integrated our Awareness Team at entrances and transitions as supportive contacts. In addition, we are following up on every concrete tip.” Those who have personal experiences can reach out via the provided channels.