The Genderban comes into effect in Bavaria – spokesperson discusses consequences for disregard. As of Monday, gender-sensitive language is explicitly prohibited in Bavaria’s authorities, schools, and universities. Criticism arises from parts of the political competition and associations. When asked about the consequences for disregarding the ban, a ministry spokesperson remains vague. The driving force behind the Genderban is the Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder (CSU).
In Bavaria, the Genderban has come into effect on Monday. The use of gender-sensitive language in schools, universities, and authorities in the Free State is explicitly prohibited from now on. In the General Business Order (AGO) for the authorities of the Free State of Bavaria, it now states: “Multi-gendered spellings through word internal characters such as gender star, colon, gender gap, or mediopoint are prohibited”. The Cabinet had approved the controversial regulation on March 19, and last week, on Maundy Thursday, the state government published the amendment in the Law and Ordinance Gazette. The Council for German Spelling had not recommended the use of special characters in the word interior with a decision on December 15, 2023, and pointed out that they are interventions in word formation, grammar, and orthography that can impair the comprehensibility of texts. However, sharp criticism of the ban came from various groups, including the Greens, political university groups, trade unions, queer associations, and even the Federal Students’ Conference.
The consequences for those who violate the ban are, according to the Bavarian Ministry of the Interior, a case-by-case decision. “Whether and when the threshold of disciplinary-relevant misconduct in terms of a violation of official duties is crossed in a specific case will have to be assessed, especially in terms of frequency, extent, and context,” a ministry spokesperson stated in response to an inquiry. For example, it makes a difference whether it is an internal or public document and whether gender-sensitive language is used unlawfully once or multiple times.
