Salzgitter shows its colors: rainbow benches for diversity and tolerance!

Salzgitter shows its colors: rainbow benches for diversity and tolerance!

In a lively meeting on October 1, 2025, the Salzgitter City Council decided to set up two rainbow benches. This happened during the 40th council meeting, in which the issue was presented by council member Michel Letter (SPD). The decision was made with 25 yes votes, 7 no votes and 6 abstentions. The benches are to be placed in front of the town halls in Salzgitter-Lebenstedt and Salzgitter-Bad and serve as a symbol of diversity, respect and tolerance in public spaces. This not only addresses the integration of the LGBTIQ+ community, but also sends an important signal against the increase in violence against queer people.

Although the decision met with widespread approval, there was also criticism. Members of the AfD and FDP question whether the benches actually help address citizens' concerns. The AfD said that the benches would not help citizens' problems to be noticed. The FDP even warns of a possible violation of the state neutrality law. Increasing criticism has also been expressed on social media, leading Letter to point to an alarming 200 percent increase in violence against queer people in the last two years, often from right-wing circles.

A symbol of solidarity

The idea for rainbow benches has now taken root in other cities. In Augsburg, for example, three benches in rainbow colors were set up in June, during “Pride Month”. Mayor Reiner Erben wanted to send a clear signal of acceptance and solidarity with the queer community. The velvet-covered benches are located in several of the city's parks and are intended to make the diversity of LGBTIQ+ identities visible. The rainbow flag, a symbol of the movement, was designed by Gilbert Baker in the 1970s and has not diminished in importance since.

In the context of a comprehensive survey on the attitude of the German population towards LGBTIQ+ rights, there is a broad consensus. According to a recent study, 78 percent of Germans support protecting lesbians, gays and bisexuals from discrimination. The figures even rise to 75 percent in support for the rights of trans people. In addition, 74 percent of respondents advocate equal adoption rights for same-sex couples. Nevertheless, the global trend shows that acceptance of LGBTQIA+ is decreasing worldwide, which is particularly noticeable in the USA. In Germany, the Ipsos survey registered an increase in acceptance, which is a positive sign for society.

The importance of visibility

Visibility and safety for LGBTIQ+ people remains a central issue – not just in Augsburg and Salzgitter, but worldwide. The concern is justified: In Europe, many queer people feel uncomfortable expressing their identity publicly. A survey by the EU Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA) showed that 21 percent of respondents avoid places because they are afraid of violence. This illustrates how important such initiatives are in creating an environment in which everyone is entitled to tolerance and respect.

In this sense, the rainbow benches in Salzgitter are not only a beautiful sight, but also a strong symbol of equality and acceptance. They are intended to help everyone celebrate their identity in public and to promote respectful dialogue.