DBB Berlin sets signs of tolerance at gay festival in Schöneberg!

DBB Berlin sets signs of tolerance at gay festival in Schöneberg!

In the recent debate about the Berlin police union, Frank Becker, state chairman of the DBB civil servant association and Tarifunion Berlin, has provided clarity. He welcomes the distancing of several national associations from the controversial statements by the federal chairman Rainer Wendt. In the publication "Tichys insight", this had spoken about queer topics and thus triggered a lot of resentment. Many of his colleagues find Wendt's statements to be excluded and discriminatory, such as dbb.berlin

BECKER and DPOLG Berlin emphasize that tolerance, cosmopolitanism and the neutrality requirement of the Basic Law belongs in a clear positioning within the union. This is particularly emphasized when participating in the Lesbian-Schwulen-Straßenfest in Berlin-Schöneberg on July 19 and 20, 2025. In this context, various specialist unions of the DBB Berlin will also be represented, which shows a strong expression of solidarity.

tolerance as a principle

Bodo Pfalzgraf, the state chairman of the DPolG Berlin, underlines the obligation to respect all people in society. "There is no space for exclusion in the police and the union," he clarifies. This is done in a climate in which Rainer Wendt is sharply criticized for his derogatory comments about LGBTIQ groups. For example, Sibylle Krause, a member of the GdP, explains that Wendt's statements are not only reducing, but also undermine respect for diversity. Furthermore, Oliver von Dobrowolski, founder of Better Police, refers Wendt's attitude as "eternal yesterday's populism".

Wendt said that LGBTIQ groups "impose" their identity to others and promote a narrative that causes resentment within the police. This view is not only criticized by own colleagues, but also by representatives of Queerer organizations who perceive Wendt's comments as irresponsible and ignorant.

The history of rights

The challenge of accepting the queer in society has a long history in Germany. Homosexual acts were punishable for many decades, which led to massive discrimination, such as csd-nordwest.de. Section 175 of the StGB was introduced in 1871 and punished sexual acts between men. The discrimination remained even after it was abolished.

The reform in 1969 was a step in the right direction, but only with the introduction of the "Marriage for everyone" in 2017 was equally largely achieved. Despite this progress, there are still major challenges, especially with regard to social acceptance. Again and again it becomes clear that discrimination against LGBTQIA+persons is still an urgent topic, for example through hate crimes or disadvantage at work.

The debates about Rainer Wendt's statements and the reactions illustrate how important it is to stand up for the rights and visibility of the Queer Community. The street festival in Schöneberg and the commitment of the unions are just a few of the steps taken to promote and live diversity and equality.

Times change, and it turns out that openness and tolerance are increasingly being challenged in social discourse. With a clear commitment to these values, the DPolg Berlin wants to set an example that nobody in society is forgotten and that all people have to be respected in their identity.