Bundestag’s interior committee is convening today at 1 p.m. via video conference to discuss the aftermath of the attack on the CSD demonstration on July 25 in Berlin. In the attack, an Islamist killed one woman and injured 31 people. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) is calling for increased use of ankle monitors and preventive detention for dangerous individuals, while the new Union parliamentary group leader Thorsten Frei advocates for swift legal tightening.
The queer community feels that the debate overlooks homophobia. André Lehmann from the LSVD+ Queer Diversity Association emphasizes that the perpetrator deliberately targeted a demonstration for queer rights: “Even if the goal of Islamist terrorism is Western society and our democracy as a whole, this attack is clearly queer-hostile.” For years, they have been pointing out the dangers facing queer people; now, solidarity statements must be followed by concrete actions, such as funding for counseling services.
Lehmann is particularly disappointed with the chancellor. Friedrich Merz has had a meeting offer from the association and CSD Germany for a week – unanswered. “Anyone who understands the attack as an assault on ‘all of us’ should also defend and celebrate queer life as a core part of our diverse society on the other 364 days of the year,” says Lehmann. His appeal to Merz and the parliamentarians: “Listen to us at last! Talk to us!”
Source: www.zdfheute.de
