Klöckner justifies her conduct during the CSD event
Berlin, Germany - Julia Klöckner, the current President of the Bundestag, has defended her stance against the participation of the queer group of the Bundestag administration in this year's Berlin Christopher Street Day (CSD). In 2025, the Bundestag administration, under Klöckner's presidency, decided not to participate in the CSD due to a neutrality obligation.
Klöckner's stance against the participation of the queer group remains unchanged, citing the need to maintain political neutrality in public buildings and administration. According to her, the rainbow flag and participation in CSD are political demonstrations that should not be part of the Bundestag's public image.
This decision has sparked a debate about the role of political institutions in supporting LGBTQ+ rights events. The Berlin CSD e.V. expressed its disappointment with the decision, stating that it was not supportive enough in a time when attacks against sexual minorities are increasing. Pro-LGBTQ politicians and parties like the Greens, Left Party, and SPD have also criticized Klöckner's decision, arguing that it is not supportive enough.
However, Klöckner has clarified that the symbol of diversity should still be displayed, but only on May 17, the International Day Against Homophobia. She raised the rainbow flag at the Reichstag building on May 17, 2023, a day designated as a day against homophobia. The flag that flies on the German parliament, black, red, and gold, stands for freedom, freedom of opinion and press, and individuality, including sexual individuality.
Individual members of the Bundestag are not prevented from participating in the CSD in their personal capacity. However, Klöckner did not provide a definitive answer when asked if she would accept the invitation to ride on the Association of Lesbians and Gays in the CDU's wagon at the CSD.
The debate about the role of political institutions in supporting LGBTQ+ rights events continues following the Bundestag administration's decision not to participate in the Berlin CSD. Klöckner emphasized the need to avoid politicizing events for which one otherwise demands normality.
It is worth noting that the Rainbow Network of the Bundestag participated in the Berlin CSD in 2023 and 2024 during the presidency of Bárbara Bas (SPD), the previous President of the Bundestag. Klöckner's decision to refrain from participating in the CSD with the queer group and banning symbolic LGBTQ+ displays at the Bundestag during CSD in 2025 marks a break from previous tradition.
The Bundestag administration's decision not to participate in political demonstrations and public assemblies was met with incomprehension and criticism in the Bundestag and by the Berlin CSD e.V. Chancellor Friedrich Merz also supported Klöckner’s stance, stating that the Bundestag is "not a circus tent," further fueling controversy.
[1] "Klöckner verzichtet auf Teilnahme an Berliner CSD" (German), Spiegel Online, 2025-06-01. [2] "Berliner CSD: Klöckner lehnt Teilnahme ab" (German), Tagesspiegel, 2025-06-01. [5] "Klöckner auf CSD-Parade verzichten" (German), Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, 2025-06-01.
Policy-and-legislation debates have been ignited in the aftermath of Julia Klöckner, the President of the Bundertag, declining the participation of the queer group in this year's Berlin Christopher Street Day (CSD). Politicians and parties supporting LGBTQ+ rights, such as the Greens, Left Party, and SPD, have criticized Klöckner's decision, questioning the role of political institutions in general-news events that promote LGBTQ+ rights. This decision has sparked a discussion on the proper balance between political neutrality and supporting marginalized communities.
