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Saxony-Anhalt: New burial law for cultural diversity and dignity!
Saxony-Anhalt has passed a modern burial law that takes intercultural aspects into account and allows new forms of burial.
Saxony-Anhalt: New burial law for cultural diversity and dignity!
In Saxony-Anhalt, far-reaching changes to the funeral system are imminent. On April 18, 2023, the cabinet passed a new burial law, which has now been approved in the state parliament and is expected to come into force in 2024. As Social Minister Petra Grimm-Benne (SPD) explains, This amendment is an important step towards modern and interculturally open burial law.
The central points of the new legal regulation include greater consideration of religious and cultural needs. Particularly noteworthy is the introduction of cloth burial, which allows burial without a coffin. This represents a significant relief for Jewish and Muslim believers. The new law also provides that cemetery owners have the right to object to cloth burials if there are specific reasons for this.
Regulations for star children and post mortem examination
Another important aspect is the legal regulation regarding the burial of star children. If no parent is responsible for the burial, obstetric facilities are obliged to ensure a dignified burial. In addition, a second postmortem examination by specialized medical professionals is introduced before every burial, including earth burials. Any health concerns should be uncovered before the funeral.
A look at the general burial situation in Germany shows that the burial obligation, which is deeply anchored in Christian tradition, has a long history. Historically, the burial obligation was already laid down in the Prussian state law of 1806. However, the regulations are different in the different federal states and are subject to locally specific regulations.
Innovative approaches and sustainability
The new burial law also has sustainability in mind. The handling of gravestones will be regulated in a new way: In future it will be forbidden to use gravestones that were produced under exploitative conditions, for example using child labor. In addition, the burial period for urns will be extended to six months. Another innovative aspect is the legalization of the removal of small amounts of ashes for memorabilia, such as commemorative diamonds.
Particular attention is also paid to the soldiers who died while the Bundeswehr was deployed abroad. From 2034, they will be guaranteed a permanent right to rest in honorary graves to honor their services. The reimbursement of costs for the maintenance of these honorary graves is regulated by the Ministry of Social Affairs.
Overall, with this amendment to the law, Saxony-Anhalt shows that it is prepared to take a pioneering role in funeral law and to meet the diverse needs of the population. A step that brings both ethical and cultural issues into focus and at the same time paves the way for modern burial methods.