Dignified new beginning: lettering in the Paulskirche is reminiscent of Fritz Bauer

Dignified new beginning: lettering in the Paulskirche is reminiscent of Fritz Bauer

In an honor for democracy and human dignity, the lettering "Dignity of Man is inviolable" recently presented. This special moment was initiated by the Hessian Minister of Justice Christian Heinz (CDU) and the Mayor of Frankfurt Mike Josef (SPD) in the Paulskirche in Frankfurt am Main. The lettering has a judicial and historical importance that goes back to the teachings of the famous Hessian Attorney General Fritz Bauer.

Bauer, who played an important role in German legal history, saw this lettering a symbol of the appreciation of human dignity and the associated values that shape our democracy. In his speech, Justice Minister Heinz also emphasized the relevance of this message in today's context: “It was important to him to consistently enter the values that make up our democracy and to carry them out confidently. This approach is more current than ever.”

The reconstruction of the lettering

The original lettering was removed in July in order to be subjected to thorough cleaning and restoration in the summer. The decision to show him during the construction period of the new judicial building in the Paulskirche is a conscious act that the city of Frankfurt and the Hessian Ministry of Justice have met together. Mayor Josef said that the lettering was not to be dragged in the depot. Rather, it is important that it remains visible in public space in order to embody the values for which it stands.

Josef also turned to the challenges with which democracy is confronted: "In view of the attacks on our democratic system by extremists and fanatics of all shades, it is not possible to highly hold Article 1 of our Basic Law." These words illustrate how important the eternal protection of human dignity is today.

commitment to democracy

Another exciting project resulting from this initiative is the T-shirt campaign "Art. 1 GG", which was launched by the Frankfurt design agency Nordisk Büro Plus. The T-shirts, which are available in limited edition, bear the imprint that is reminiscent of the basic values of democracy. With every purchase of a T-shirt, the money flows into projects from the Democracy Center in Hesse at the Philipps University Marburg. This shows how closely commitment to democratic values and creative initiatives can be linked.

Fritz Bauer had a clear vision of the importance of human rights. For him, Article 1 of the Basic Law was not just a law, but the basis for any state action. In his time, the lettering testified to a promise: judicial decisions should be made regardless of political beliefs. By refreshing this heritage, it is again underlined how important it is to actively promote and implement these principles in society.

The attention to this lettering and the accompanying projects are not only an act of memory, but also a call to active engagement for democracy. At a time when many are important to keep the values that support our society in mind and make it visible.