Prime Minister Kretschmann: Gender Debate is Unnecessary and Polarizing
In the opinion of Baden-Württemberg’s Minister President Winfried Kretschmann, the heated debate about gendering language is baseless. "Everyone can speak their mind for now, but turning it into a significant social issue is misleading," Kretschmann told the German Press Agency in Stuttgart. "It doesn't accomplish anything, it offers no added value, and it only creates division."
Politics should address pressing problems and avoid fracturing society, according to Kretschmann. "That's what we're working on. And we shouldn't stir up unnecessary controversies - such as the gender debate," the Green politician said.
Critical of gendering in language education, Kretschmann previously stated, "It's already challenging enough that so many of our primary school pupils struggle to read." He added, "There's no need to make it more complicated by writing things at school that we don't even speak."
Kretschmann suggested a straightforward solution to the gender debate: "At school, in public authorities, the Duden, i.e., the guidelines of the German Spelling Council, should be followed." He warned against the CDU parliamentary group continually focusing on the issue, urging against further engagement.
Regarding Kretschmann's stance on gender, the Green Party, known for its progressive views on social justice and equality, generally supports inclusive language and education policies promoting gender equality and diversity.
Based on articles from
Additional Insights
The Green Party, which Kretschmann leads in Baden-Württemberg, advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and environmental protection. As a result, one might expect Kretschmann to adopt a supportive stance on gender-inclusive language and education policies that empower marginalized voices and challenge traditional gender norms. However, while his specific views on this matter are not explicitly detailed in the provided sources, the Green Party's overarching commitments to social justice and equality point to a likely inclination towards equitable language and education policies.
In his statements about gendering language in the classroom, Kretschmann expresses concerns about the potential complications for primary school students who already struggle with reading. This stance could be interpreted as recognizing the importance of clear and accessible language, particularly in an educational setting. But without deeper insights into his thoughts on gender and expression, it's challenging to fully understand the nuances of Kretschmann's stance on the gender debate.
