Weekly occurrences in the German Federal Diet (Bundestag)

In a significant step towards promoting diversity and inclusion, the German federal government has adopted an Action Plan titled "Queer living" to ensure equal, free, safe, and self-determined lives for lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender, intersex, and other queer people (LSBTIQ*). This nationwide effort reflects a commitment to LGBTIQ rights and inclusion, with all German Bundesländer (federal states) having introduced action plans addressing LGBTIQ issues [1].

The Queer living action plan, among other strategies, aims to normalize and support LGBTIQ people in society through legal, social, and municipal measures. The plan includes measures in six areas: legal recognition, participation, safety, health, strengthening of counseling and community structures, and international aspects [2].

Key recommendations and aims of these action plans generally focus on implementing measures for social inclusion and equality, combating discrimination and violence, collecting and managing statistical data, and raising public awareness to foster a "queer living" environment where diversity is respected [3].

However, current societal and political trends show some resistance. Far-right extremist groups and some conservative politicians actively oppose queer visibility and Pride events, framing queer symbols as "political" and opposing public displays like rainbow flags on government buildings [1][4]. This opposition poses challenges to the action plan’s aims of acceptance and equal treatment.

Beyond the Queer living action plan, the German government is making strides in various other areas. For instance, the draft bill aims to reduce bureaucracy and make vocational training achievements more visible [5]. The reformed KapMuG will unify, accelerate, and simplify effective legal enforcement in the area of capital market law [6].

In education, the action plan recommends treating LSBTIQ* topics more strongly in schools and considering them in the training and further education of teaching staff [7]. The federal government is also improving BAföG for the third time in this legislative period to better adapt the funding to student behavior and make it more flexible [8].

The new postal law aims to improve working conditions, ensure more sustainability, and strengthen the basic supply - both in cities and in rural areas [9]. Moreover, the reformed KapMuG will include the crypto sector and investment information in swarm financing projects [10].

In terms of science communication, the coalition proposal for systematic and comprehensive strengthening of science communication highlights the special role of science communication, participatory approaches in knowledge transfer, and calls on the federal government to further strengthen science communication [11]. Independent science journalism should also be secured in view of the financial pressure in many editorial offices through a new foundation [12].

Successful science communication can counter fake news and disinformation and thus strengthen the resilience of a society [13]. The agreement addresses aspects of federal legislation, and the Bundestag must approve it in the form of a law this week [14].

The reformed KapMuG will reduce the incentive for individual lawsuits by allowing those harmed to join the procedure with retroactive suspension of the statute of limitations without having to file a lawsuit themselves [15]. To ensure fair competition, good working conditions, especially in the parcel industry, are indispensable. Therefore, in the future, market access will be linked to compliance with regulations on working conditions [16].

In other developments, the federal government is working on improving the data basis for political control through the draft bill of the federal government for the amendment of the Building Statistics Act [17]. The goal is to create more opportunities for young people and apprentices to gain international experience and to support the development of a European labor market [18].

The agreement between Germany and France on cross-border vocational training, signed last year, aims to facilitate the mobility of young people and apprentices across EU borders [19]. The draft bill of the federal government for the 29th amendment will conclude this week, introducing a study start grant of 1,000 euros for students whose parents receive unemployment benefit or housing benefit [20].

Lastly, the unconstitutional Transsexuality Act will be replaced by the Self-Determination Act, which was adopted by the Bundestag in April 2024 [21]. Rainbow families should be legally recognized and treated equally [22]. Attacks on queer people should be statistically better recorded through dark field studies [23].

In summary, the German government is taking significant steps towards promoting diversity and inclusion, particularly through the "Queer living" action plan. Yet, they face significant opposition from political and extremist groups, complicating the realization of full societal acceptance [1][3][4]. Despite these challenges, the government continues to work towards a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

References:

[1] Bundesregierung

[2] Queer.de

[3] Science|Business

[4] Deutsche Welle

[5] Bundesregierung

[6] Handelsblatt

[7] Queer.de

[8] Bundesregierung

[9] Bundesregierung

[10] Handelsblatt

[11] Bundesregierung

[12] Bundesregierung

[13] Bundesregierung

[14] Bundesregierung

[15] Handelsblatt

[16] Bundesregierung

[17] Bundesregierung

[18] Bundesregierung

[19] Bundesregierung

[20] Bundesregierung

[21] Bundesregierung

[22] Bundesregierung

[23] Queer.de

The German government's "Queer living" action plan seeks to promote equality and inclusion for LGBTIQ individuals, not only through legal and social measures but also by incorporating LSBTIQ topics in education and training for teachers.
In addition to the action plan, the German government is focusing on other areas, such as improving working conditions, reducing bureaucracy, and strengthening science communication, which are essential for a fair and sustainable society.
Despite opposition from far-right extremist groups and certain conservative politicians, the government is determined to create a society where diversity is respected, as evidenced by the reformed Transsexuality Act to be replaced by the Self-Determination Act, which recognizes and treats rainbow families equally.