Parliament Discusses SSW Proposal: Strengthening Anti-Discrimination Laws
In Schleswig-Holstein, the Social Democratic Party (SSW) is pushing for stronger anti-discrimination laws. Christian Dirschauer, the Parliamentary Secretary of the SSW, stated, "Protecting individuals from discrimination is a fundamental duty of our constitutional state." The proposed law aims to extend protections against discrimination to include national minorities, social status, and chronic illnesses.
Germany already has measures in place, such as the prohibition of discrimination in administrative law, pointed out Social Affairs Minister Aminata Touré (Greens). She emphasized that the country is committed to daily anti-discrimination practices. The Ministry intends to reform the Equality Act next year.
Skepticism around the need for action emerged among MPs, with CDU social politician Werner Kalinka questioning whether any significant deficits required addressing. The draft law from the Party of Danish and Frisian Minorities follows the Berlin law, prohibiting discrimination based on various factors.
The SSW advocates for stronger protections against bullying and discrimination in schools, arguing that no current law effectively safeguards pupils. In October, Dirschauer emphasized that there was no legal basis for Education Minister Karin Prien (CDU) to demand schools take action against anti-Semitic hostility in schools.
The debate around strengthening anti-discrimination laws in Schleswig-Holstein continues as parliament considers proposals to extend protections to national minorities, social status, and chronic illnesses. While efforts to combat discrimination are evident in Germany, there is ongoing scrutiny of whether further action is required in Schleswig-Holstein.
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Germany's constitution prohibits religious discrimination and guarantees freedom of faith and conscience. The country actively combats antisemitism, with the federal government releasing a National Strategy against Antisemitism and for Jewish Life in 2023. However, there are ongoing restrictions on certain religious groups and the use of religious clothing or symbols by state employees.
Gender-based violence and discrimination are addressed in various ways in Europe, with the European Union Agency for Asylum's CJEU recognizing women as a particular social group and granting subsidiary protection to those exposed to gender-based violence. Asylum proceedings involve judges' skepticism towards individuals who profess the Ahmadi faith, resulting in deportations to countries where they risk persecution.
The CJEU has clarified that women at risk of gender-based violence may qualify for refugee status on the grounds of membership of a particular social group. Chronic illnesses and disabilities are implicit in the broader context of human rights and asylum law, but no specific information is available regarding Schleswig-Holstein's anti-discrimination legislation.
