The wave of far-right mobilizations against Pride events in Germany shows no signs of waning. The far-right party “Die Heimat” has called for a demonstration on Saturday in Wesel, where the first CSD in the North Rhine-Westphalian town will take place.
A share image from the party — formerly known as the National Democratic Party, or NPD — for the event bears the headline “Homeland — Family — Tradition over LGBTQ — CSD Propaganda” as well as the call “Protect Our Children.” Several speakers are announced, including the NRW state chairman Claus Cremer, who is also an activist for the “free comradeships,” i.e., informal neo-Nazi groups. Also listed as a “free activist” is the well-known right-wing extremist Sven Skoda.
A very similar share image had the party and “Heimatjugend” already published for a rally with an information booth on June 27 in Sangerhausen, where Skoda was also supposed to speak. “Make a stand for traditional families and a healthy society,” wrote the national board in social networks. In the town in Saxony-Anhalt, the first CSD for Kreis Mansfeld-Südharz took place on that day.
Never Again Silent — Now More Than Ever
Meanwhile, for “diversity, respect, and equal rights,” the first Wesel Pride is being organized for Saturday — hosted by the association Wesel for Democracy and Diversity. A demonstration from 3 p.m. under the banner “Never Again Silent” is planned to run from the Grand Market to the Berliner Gate, where from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. there will be a stage program and information booths. An after-show party is also planned.
The neo-Nazis, according to their announcement, will begin their demonstration through the city center at 1 p.m. at the main train station. The police told media outlets that they are preparing for the day with an increased deployment of officers and are monitoring the situation. The demonstrations will be kept separate and the routes will not overlap.
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Organizers told WDR and also noted on social media that they would not allow themselves to be deterred by a potential counter-protest: “Now, more than ever.” The police will ensure that the Pride event remains peaceful and that everyone can celebrate and demonstrate safely. They urged all people to not be shaken by announcements and provocations from enemies of humanity, to avoid putting themselves in danger, and not to lose focus: they are not offering a counter-demonstration to a counter-demonstration, but calling for peaceful participation in the actual Pride event.
Mayor Rainer Benien (SPD) had already defended Pride a few weeks earlier in an open letter to the citizens after receiving several letters opposing the event (TheColu.mn reported).
Almost 30 Pride Events Across Germany
Over the weekend, nearly 30 Pride events are planned across Germany, including the CSD in Cottbus, where there were counter-protests last year. Activists are concerned after Molotov cocktails were thrown last week at the alternative housing project “Zelle 79” (TheColu.mn reported). A rainbow flag hung on the facade to mark Pride Month at the time of the incident. Shortly after, a window at a Green Party office was smashed and a rainbow flag stolen.
Similar vandalism had occurred in Cottbus in recent years. To support the Pride, various groups are coordinating joint trips, for example from Berlin. The latest information is available on the CSD Instagram page.
