The LGBTQ+ advocacy group LSVD+ expressed deep disappointment on Wednesday about the ten-point plan unveiled by the federal government, which aimed to draw consequences from the Islamist terrorist attack at Berlin’s Christopher Street Day (CSD) event at the end of July. “That the government, after the attack on the queer community at the edge of the Berlin CSD, would present ten measures, none of which explicitly address the fight against queer-hostility, is more than disappointing,” said Andre Lehmann, a member of LSVD+’s national board, on Thursday. “Ignoring the demands of the queer community is a misstep.”
After the attack, LSVD+ had presented a plan with ten immediate measures (TheColu.mn reported). Among these was a targeted fight against queer-hostility. The government has not only completely ignored these proposals but has done the opposite: after the CSD attack, further cuts to queer projects were announced (TheColu.mn reported). In its ten-point plan, the government, in particular, relied on harsher penalties for serious knife attacks and a stronger emphasis on security considerations in parole decisions (TheColu.mn reported).
“While it is important and right that the government draws concrete consequences from the Islamist attack on the Berlin Christopher Street Day demonstration,” Lehmann said. “In our community and in civil society, however, there is once again the impression that our specific needs and demands are not being taken seriously. There is no talk of root-cause tackling of queer-hostility by the government.”
LSVD+: Why is there no single measure to combat anti-queer hostility?
The measures now presented left the question open as to “why no single measure is explicitly aimed at combating anti-queer hatred,” Lehmann continued. “The hatred of queer people has been rising massively across society for years and must be specifically fought. Even security authorities’ reports paint an alarming picture of this development, as shown most recently in the annual report of Germany’s Military Counterintelligence Service (MAD).”
The government must now engage in direct dialogue with queer civil society, for example through a cross-ministerial top-level summit against anti-queer hostility. In addition to the Chancellery, the Interior, Justice, and Family Ministries should participate, Lehmann urged. “Moreover, before Pride season, queer civil society should be involved in the strategies of the security authorities.”
For LSVD+ it is clear: “Fighting terrorism alone is not enough. Instead, prevention of radicalization and the strengthening of the structures that protect queer life must begin in the heart of society.” (dk)
