Berlin Pushes for Constitutional Protection of Queer Rights

Mayor Kai Wegner advocates adding 'sexual identity' to Germany's Basic Law during coalition talks, facing criticism over delays.

Berlin's governing coalition, led by Mayor Kai Wegner, aims to amend Article 3 of Germany's Basic Law to include protections for sexual identity.
The proposed change seeks to ensure constitutional protection against discrimination based on sexual identity, aligning with broader LGBTQ+ advocacy efforts.
Wegner has emphasized the need for a two-thirds majority in the Bundestag and aims to build broad consensus through ongoing coalition negotiations between the CDU and SPD.
Critics, including members of the Left Party and LGBTQ+ activists, have accused Wegner's administration of stalling progress since first proposing a Bundesrat initiative in 2023.
If federal negotiations fail, Berlin plans to proceed independently with a Bundesrat initiative to advance the constitutional amendment.