The Queer Diversity Association (LSVD+) has sharply criticized the government for its inadequate protection of queer individuals against hate crimes. In a recent statement, the association calls for an amendment to Article 3 of the Basic Law to explicitly protect sexual minorities from discrimination. This demand comes in light of alarming statistics documenting a drastic increase in crimes against queer people.
According to the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA), the number of crimes in the categories “Sexual Orientation” and “Gender Diversity” has nearly tenfold increased since 2010. These include insults, violent acts, and incitement to hatred. Andre Lehmann, a member of the federal board of LSVD+, stated: “Every single case is shameful for a free society.” He criticized the government for doing too little to combat these excesses.
Lehmann warned that the safety and sense of freedom of millions of people in Germany are at risk. The association described the current situation as a “security policy failure of the state.” Queer individuals are the only persecuted group from the National Socialist era that is not explicitly protected in the Basic Law, underscoring the need for a legal amendment.
Additionally, the Berlin counseling center Maneo reported 723 cases of hostility against queer individuals in the past year. These incidents occurred in various locations, including online, on the streets, and in schools. Experts estimate that 80 to 90 percent of cases remain unreported.
