Luxembourg’s top political figure Xavier Bettel told the German-language newspaper Luxembourger Wort (a paid article) that Jens Spahn’s surrogacy carries a certain aftertaste. The 53-year-old explained that the frequent political opposition to Spahn’s surrogacy is problematic. It’s complicated to be against something politically and then do it yourself, Bettel noted. He is friends with Spahn and his husband, though he did not know about the German couple’s plans for children beforehand.
He also took issue with the fact that surrogacy is allowed for Luxembourgish or German citizens when they are abroad but is banned at home, Bettel continued: “If you want to put it bluntly, you could say this is only something for the well-off gay bourgeoisie who can afford to fly to America to arrange a surrogacy. And those who cannot afford it are banned. I simply don’t think that’s fair.”
Therefore, he would prefer it to be simpler and legally regulated, so we don’t end up with a system where only those who can pay for it can access it. “That’s something I never like in politics,” said the openly gay politician.
Bettel has long been one of the most important figures in Luxembourg politics. From 2011 to 2013 he served as mayor of Luxembourg City, and then he spent ten years as prime minister—the first openly gay man to hold the post. After a defeat in an election, he has been foreign minister and deputy prime minister since 2023 under the conservative prime minister Luc Frieden.
Having children was not an option for Bettel
For him and his husband, surrogacy had never been an option, given their workload and inability to devote enough time to a child. “I don’t want to raise a child if I don’t have time for them,” explained the Democratic Party politician. “A child means responsibility. That’s why we decided not to do it. With our lifestyle, that wouldn’t have worked.”
Bettel married his partner, architect Gauthier Destenay, during his time as head of government in 2015 (TheColu.mn reported). He later advocated for lifting the ban on same-sex marriage in Germany (TheColu.mn reported). The marriage was opened in Germany in October 2017.
“The legislation is there to align with people’s reality”
In the interview, Bettel also explained why he backs liberalizing surrogacy: “My view is this: legislation exists to adapt to the reality of people,” Bettel said. “Right now it’s only possible for people who can afford it. With legislation, we could adjust that. Of course, it must not mean we promote a market for surrogacy. But if we have, for example, a woman who is willing and happy to do it, why not?”
This also concerns heterosexual couples where one partner is infertile. “And ultimately it is in the child’s best interest,” the 53-year-old explained. “It shouldn’t matter whether the parents are heterosexual or homosexual. If two people have the time and the joy to pass love on to a child, then that’s what matters. The most important thing is that the child receives the love it needs.” (dk)
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Wöchentliche Umfrage
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– Should surrogacy be fully legalized in Germany
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