Parliament: Deaf MPs sign their first speech in the Bundestag

MP Heike Heubach gave a speech in sign language for the first time in the history of the Bundestag. The Bundestag should be a reflection of society, said the SPD politician from Bavaria after her speech to journalists. Therefore, it was “high time” for a deaf person to give a speech.

“The factions can and should become even more diverse.” Her speech was a first step. At the same time, Heubach emphasized that she does not only represent people with disabilities. The message is: “If I want to do something, then I can do it” – and this message is aimed at everyone, Heubach added.

Silent applause from all groups

Heubach joined the SPD in November 2019. In the 2021 federal election, she ran in the Augsburg-Land constituency and narrowly missed getting into parliament. In March, Heubach took over the place of SPD politician Uli Grötsch, who was elected federal police commissioner.

“This is a very special moment,” said Bundestag Vice President Aydan Özoğuz (SPD) before Haubach’s speech. “At this point we show that we can represent our society a little better in the German Bundestag.”

The MPs from all political groups applauded silently at the beginning of the speech – instead of clapping with raised, waving hands, the gesture for applause. With the help of two interpreters, the speech was simultaneously translated into spoken language.

Heubach defends planned changes to the building law

The first deaf member in the history of parliament took a position on the planned amendment to the building code in her four-minute speech. The draft law aims to give municipalities more options for building planning and at the same time reduce bureaucracy. This will also create more affordable housing.

In the first reading of the draft, Heubach argued that the new building law strengthens the development of cities against the consequences of climate change. “It will be most expensive if we do nothing,” emphasized the SPD politician.