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Equality of LGBTIQ* persons

The demand for a National Action Plan in Germany has repeatedly been put forward by political and civil society actors over the last years. Its drafting has now been embraced as a project of the new German Federal Government under Chancellor Olaf Scholz in the coalition agreement 2021–2025. In addition, the agreement contains several other concrete projects for the equality of rainbow families and for combating hate crimes against LGBTIQ* persons. On 18 November 2022, the National Action Plan (in German) was announced by the German Federal Government

The Observatory dedicated its work to the challenges for the equality of LGBTIQ* persons and families in Germany and Europe and, with the following publications, contributed substantively to the preparation of a National Action Plan regarding the rights of LGBTIQ* persons in Germany.
Projects

LGBTIQ* Action Plans: Checklist for a Gender Equal Society

National Action Plans have been established as a central and effective tool for the implementation of values codified in international law at national levels, such as the protection of human rights. In the area of human rights of LGBTIQ* persons, it can be observed throughout Europe that the implementation of National Action Plans systematically advances the equality of LGBTIQ* persons.

The expertise introduces the tool National Action Plan and summarises demands at the European and German levels for a National LGBTIQ* Equality Action Plan in Germany. The emphasis lies on a process analysis of drafting, implementation and evaluation as well as on success factors regarding these steps.

Equalize Rainbow Families

In recent years, rainbow families have become more prevalent as diverse family forms in Germany as well as in Europe. Nevertheless, there is still a need for political and legal action to advance equality. The Working Paper highlights the need for change and solution approaches and provides insights into the regulations of European countries.

This Working Paper deals, among other things, with legal and social parenthood, also, for example, multiple parents, the use of assisted reproduction and its legal consequences for parenthood, and the need to address, redress and compensate for past injustices that made parenthood difficult, if not impossible.

Protecting LGBTIQ* people from violence and hate speech

Hate crime against LGBTIQ* persons is the most severe form of expression of homophobia and transphobia and not uncommon in Germany and in other European states, be it in the public or private sphere. For those affected, this represents a considerable burden and stress as well as a restriction of freedom and participation in social life.

The Working Paper shows that on the one hand, changes in criminal law are needed to fight hate crime against LGBTIQ* persons more effectively. On the other hand, non-legal measures – for instance in the work and training of the police, the judiciary and within victim support – need to be developed and implemented.