Bundestag at the CSD: Klöckner defends her approach to the CSD

Bundestag president Julia Klöckner defended her no to participate in the queer group of the Bundestag administration in this year’s Berlin Christopher Street Day (CSD). In the “Report from Berlin” of the ARD, as before, she referred to the obligation of the Bundestag administration to neutrality. This applies, “even if the concern is still so honorable”. Incidentally, everyone should participate privately in the CSD – “but not in working hours and not with special vacation or the like”.

Predecessor Bas was less reserved

The Bundestag’s rainbow network officially participated in the CSD in 2023 and 2024 under the then Bundestag president Bärbel Bas (SPD). This year, however, the director at the German Bundestag made the decision “that the Bundestag administration, as such, in particular due to the offered neutrality, does not take part in political demonstrations and public meetings”. This met with incomprehension and criticism in the Bundestag and at the Berlin CSD EV.

Klöckner now pointed out in the ARD that on May 17th, which the Bundestag had defined as a day against homophobia, the rainbow flag had been raising the Reichstag building. “It is very clear that we decide against hostility against people of any sexual orientation if you naturally move as part of our constitution.”

Klöckner refers to German flags at the Reichstag

But it is also clear, according to Klöckner: “A flag is blowing on our German parliament, which is almost nothing to top: black, red, gold stands for freedom, stands for freedom of expression and press, stands for individuality, even sexual individuality.”

When asked whether she would accept the invitation of the lesbians and gays in the CDU, to go to the CSD on his car, Klöckner replied evasively. You don’t know your appointment. But she has already participated in a CSD. “But I say very clearly: We also have to make sure that we do not politicize something, for which you otherwise demand normality.”