Prioritization given to preventing "disruptions while walking"
In a significant move, the German Federal Cabinet has adopted a draft law aimed at preventing "sidewalk obstructions" and protecting pregnant women from unwanted harassment by anti-abortion activists. The draft law, proposed by Federal Minister for Women Lisa Paus, will proceed to the legislative process and be discussed by the German Bundestag in the next step.
The draft law is a response to issues that have been ongoing since 2018 in Pforzheim, where demonstrations outside pregnancy counseling centers and facilities that perform abortions have been a contentious issue. SPD MP Katja Mast, who has been advocating for effective protection of pregnant women for years, has welcomed the cabinet decision on the draft of the Second Law Amending the Pregnancy Conflicts Act as a clear stop signal to anti-abortion activists.
The draft law further defines "sidewalk obstructions" as an administrative offense punishable by up to 5,000 euros. This move is intended to address the inability to restrict these assemblies under the current legal framework. SPD MP Sven Aeffner, another advocate for pedestrian rights, is pleased with the draft law as it provides an answer to the difficult situation in Pforzheim and other cities.
Aeffner acknowledges the importance of the right to assembly but emphasizes that it should not be misused to restrict others' rights. He thanks Pro Familia for their fight against sidewalk obstructions and the city of Pforzheim and all those involved locally. Mast acknowledges the difficult situation for many women and the employees of the Pro Familia counseling center in Pforzheim.
The draft law aims to establish legal certainty for preventing sidewalk obstructions and ensuring the safety and dignity of pregnant women. It provides for an administrative offense procedure, punishable by up to 5,000 Euros, to deter such activities. As the draft law moves through the legislative process, it is expected to bring clarity and protection to pregnant women in Germany.
[1] Source: German Road Traffic Regulations (StVZO) - Section 14a (3) and (4)
- The draft law, a response to ongoing issues since 2018 in Pforzheim, moves forward in policy-and-legislation as it addresses the contentious issue of demonstrations outside pregnancy counseling centers and abortion-performing facilities.
- The draft law, with its focus on preventing "sidewalk obstructions" and ensuring the safety and dignity of pregnant women, is a significant step in politics, aiming to provide general-news of clear protection and legal certainty for women in Germany.
