Bundestag administration withdraws rainbow network from CSD Berlin!

Bundestag administration withdraws rainbow network from CSD Berlin!

There is currently a lot of fuss in Berlin about Christopher Street Day (CSD), which takes place on July 26th this year. A crucial starting point: the queer rainbow network of the Bundestag administration will not be able to take part this year. According to Radio Bielefeld, this decision was made by the new director of the Bundestag administration, Paul Göttke, in order to maintain the German Bundestag's duty of neutrality. This measure caused all sorts of excitement.

The administrative director confirmed that a Rainbow Network foot group had been withdrawn on the instructions of the administrative leadership. This officially makes it impossible for employees to participate as a group. However, private participation is permitted, which is a certain relief, but harms the official visibility of the network. It is reported that the association's board criticized this decision as an “active rejection of queer visibility” and called for people to loudly defend basic rights Tagesspiegel.

A step backwards for the queer community?

With the decision not to hoist a rainbow flag on the Reichstag building for the CSD, Bundestag President Julia Klöckner has drawn a clear line. This flag was hoisted on the Bundestag for the first time in 2022, but this rule no longer applies to the coming CSD. Klöckner justifies this by saying that the CSD is a day of gathering, protest and celebration. In their opinion, flying the flag is therefore not appropriate.

There is great disappointment about this decision – and not just in the Rainbow Network. The CDU member of the Bundestag, Jan-Marco Luczak, spoke publicly and demanded visibility of the network at the CSD. This was also supported by LSU, the advocacy group for queer people in the CDU and CSU. Critics from the ranks of the Left and Greens spoke of a “serious political step backwards” in terms of the visibility and recognition of queer people in public spaces.

Challenges in other cities

The situation in Berlin reflects what is also happening in other cities. The CSD will be celebrated in Schwerin next Saturday. But here too, the queer movement is not without challenges. After right-wing extremist counter-demonstrations last year, security measures were increased and the organizers are in close contact with the police. So far, nothing was known about invitations to members of the rainbow network, as taz reports that there are no longer rainbow flags in other cities such as Neubrandenburg - a worrying trend.

All in all, it shows that the CSD is not just a symbolic event, but also a tough test for the acceptance and visibility of the queer community in our society. The events surrounding the CSD in Berlin and elsewhere are not just local affairs, but also reflect social trends that are still unacceptable for many. Let’s hope that the demands for visibility and respect are heard.