Germany’s Minister of Justice is calling for an amendment to the constitution to explicitly prohibit discrimination based on sexual identity, following recent attacks on the LGBTQ+ community.

Stefanie Hubig, Germany’s Minister of Justice, has announced her support for incorporating a clear prohibition against discrimination based on sexual identity into the nation’s constitution. The proposal comes in response to a recent Islamist terror attack that occurred during the Christopher Street Day (CSD) celebrations in Berlin, which sparked concerns over the safety and rights of LGBTQ+ individuals. Hubig emphasized the importance of addressing this gap in Article 3, which currently protects against discrimination based on factors such as religion, political views, and origin.

In her remarks, Hubig stressed that it is a logical progression to include sexual identity as a protected characteristic in the country’s foundational legal document. She highlighted the need for discussions within the government to secure support for the amendment. While acknowledging some resistance within certain political factions, Hubig noted encouraging signs from conservative-led state governments. “This is about aligning our constitutional values with the reality of equal rights for all citizens,” she said.

Hubig also pointed to Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s recent public message to the LGBTQ+ community after the CSD attack, in which he reaffirmed the state’s commitment to their protection. She argued that codifying this commitment into the constitution would provide a robust legal framework to combat discrimination and violence. The proposed amendment aims to reinforce Germany’s stance as a defender of inclusivity and equality while ensuring that the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals are enshrined in law.