Overview

• The Bundestag presidium’s new directive took effect on July 23, banning all non-state political pins in the plenary hall.
• Under the rule, deputies may only wear the Bundesadler, the German flag or the EU flag on their lapels during sessions.
• The Greens have formally requested Klöckner to allow symbols defending constitutional values, such as rainbow flags, while excluding extremist motifs like the blue cornflower.
• Klöckner defended the prohibition by citing Paragraph 4 of the Bundestag’s rules on decorum, emphasizing that attire must uphold the chamber’s dignity and that debate belongs solely to spoken words.
• Opponents argue the broad pin ban could distract from legislative work by shifting focus to attire rather than policy substance.