The Federal Anti-Discrimination Commissioner, Ferda Ataman, has called for an explicit ban on discrimination against queer and elderly people in the constitution. Ataman stated that Article 3 of the Basic Law, which states that all people are equal before the law, is currently “as holey as a Swiss cheese.” On the 75th anniversary of the proclamation of the Basic Law, Ataman urged members of the Bundestag to “finally close the gaps in the catalog of basic rights.” She emphasized that all people deserve equal protection against discrimination, noting that until 1994, people with disabilities were not included in the catalog of basic rights.
Ataman highlighted that queer people are still waiting for a prohibition on discrimination based on sexual and gender identity in the Basic Law. Additionally, the Basic Law does not protect against age discrimination, unlike the General Equal Treatment Act. Ataman emphasized that the strength of democracy is reflected in how well it protects its minorities, noting that the framers of the constitution sought to protect diversity through the Basic Law. She stressed the importance of updating the constitution to ensure equal protection for all individuals, regardless of their identity.
Currently, Article 3 of the Basic Law prohibits discrimination based on gender, descent, race, language, homeland and origin, religion, beliefs, or political opinions. It also prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. Ataman’s call for an explicit ban on discrimination against queer and elderly individuals seeks to further strengthen protections for marginalized groups. She emphasized the need to address and rectify the existing gaps in the constitution to ensure that all individuals are afforded equal rights and protections under the law.
The proposal to amend the Basic Law to include explicit protections against discrimination based on sexual and gender identity, as well as age, reflects a growing recognition of the need to address systemic discrimination and promote equality for all individuals. Ataman’s advocacy for these changes highlights the importance of ensuring that the Basic Law remains relevant and inclusive in the face of evolving social norms and challenges. By calling on members of the Bundestag to take action to close these gaps in the constitution, Ataman is advocating for a more just and inclusive society for all individuals.
As Germany commemorates the 75th anniversary of the Basic Law, Ataman’s call for greater protections against discrimination for queer and elderly individuals serves as a reminder of the ongoing work needed to ensure equal rights for all citizens. By urging lawmakers to amend the constitution to address these issues, Ataman is advocating for a more equitable and inclusive society that upholds the principles of democracy and diversity. Her efforts to promote equality and combat discrimination underscore the importance of ongoing advocacy and legislative action to create a more just and inclusive society for all individuals.
