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Germany’s Queer Commissioner Calls for Constitutional Protection of Queer Rights

Appointed in late May, Sophie Koch has won backing from Family Minister Karin Prien to advance a Basic Law amendment protecting queer people.

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Overview

  • She plans to propose a change to Article 3 of the German Basic Law that explicitly enshrines queer rights.
  • Koch cited rising hostility at home and recent rights rollbacks in the United States as urgent reasons for constitutional safeguards.
  • Her office is attached to the CDU-led Ministry of Education and Family and will maintain four staff positions.
  • Koch insists she will not serve as a token figure and is committed to delivering measurable outcomes for queer acceptance.
  • She reports a friendly first meeting with Minister Karin Prien and sees broad openness to gender and sexual diversity within the CDU.