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Vandalism in Bad Bramstedt: Rainbow flags destroyed again!
In Bad Bramstedt, rainbow flags were vandalized several times. Mayor Carl is committed to tolerance and democracy.
Vandalism in Bad Bramstedt: Rainbow flags destroyed again!
The mood in Bad Bramstedt is tense after rainbow flags flying for Christopher Street Day (CSD) were vandalized several times in recent weeks. These flags, which have been flying in front of the castle on the Bleeck since the CSD on June 9th, have already been removed twice by unknown persons. Mayor Felix Carl confirmed the vandalism and reported that the flags disappeared on the evening of the CSD, but were found again in the Au. “The hatred that is bubbling out there must not determine our lives,” Carl commented at a city council meeting.
Güde Callsen, the head of the “Kleine Bühne” cultural association, is strongly committed to democracy and tolerance. She set up a “cross without hooks” in the castle to take a stand against intolerance. It is noteworthy that in the last federal election, the AfD received 18.8 percent of the second votes in Bad Bramstedt, which was higher than the SPD's vote (17.3 percent). These political circumstances could provide an explanation for the act of vandalism, which appears to be carried out by right-wing extremists.
Resistance to intolerance
The new teardown took place just this week when residents observed hooded figures stealing the flags again. Despite these attacks, Mayor Carl has announced that he will hang the flags a third time. “We don’t accept intolerant vandalism,” says Carl. For this reason, the flags will now fly on the Bleeck for four weeks, and the city has provided reserve flags, which are now showing off their true colors again.
The idea of security doesn't just run through Bad Bramstedt. The CSD is also being closely watched this year in nearby cities such as Schwerin. Increased security precautions were taken there after a right-wing extremist counter-demonstration took place last year. Sebastian Witt, a member of the organizing team in Schwerin, emphasizes that the safety of the event is the top priority. Similar incidents in Wismar, where right-wing extremist disruptions took place, are influencing preparations in Schwerin. These attacks and the associated pressure are making organizers in many places sweat.
Emotions surrounding the CSD
The events surrounding the rainbow flags are not only of local importance. In Berlin, for example, rainbow flags fly at various court buildings to celebrate Christopher Street Day, which is seen as a sign of diversity and tolerance. The Berlin Senator for the Interior's decree allowing the rainbow flag to be hoisted on public buildings shows that, despite the challenges, positive steps are being taken towards acceptance.
In Bad Bramstedt as well as in other cities, the CSD continues to be celebrated ceremoniously. “It’s about making a statement,” says Mr. Carl, “and our flags should express that too.” In light of recent incidents, it is even more important that citizens stand together and stand up for their values. When intolerance rears its head, it is time to speak up and stand up for tolerant coexistence.
Sources: kn online, taz, Daily Mirror.