Queer commissioner wants constitutional amendment

The new Queer Commissioner of the Federal Government, Sophie Koch, is campaigning for the rights of queer people to be included in Article Three of the German Basic Law. "Queer people are increasingly being treated with hostility and we see in countries like the USA how quickly their rights can be restricted again. We must be able to protect them through the Basic Law," the SPD politician told Der Spiegel. The 31-year-old made it clear that she wants to achieve something in office: "I don't want to be a fig leaf."

The SPD member of state parliament from Saxony was appointed by the federal cabinet at the end of May. Her office is attached to the CDU-led Ministry of Education and Family Affairs. She expects the office to have the same four posts as before.

Koch is not worried that she will not receive any support there. "I already had an initial conversation with Karin Prien, the Minister of Education and Family Affairs, which was friendly and open. We quickly agreed that we wanted to work together for more acceptance. I see her as a supporter," said the 31-year-old. She also sees openness in the CDU "across the board" for the acceptance of sexual and gender diversity.