German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has called for a commitment to the self-determination and safety of queer people following the terrorist attack on the fringes of Berlin’s Pride parade.
“In an open society, everyone must be able to follow their own path,” the head of state wrote in a guest article for the Zeit Online website published on Saturday, referring to gay pride events taking place in several German cities this weekend.
This right applies “not only without fear, but also with pride; not only in private, but also in public,” Steinmeier asserted.
He explained that the Islamist-motivated attack in Berlin had been “an attack on all of us, on our open society.”
“Apparently, we cannot say it often enough: according to our constitution and our convictions, everyone has the right to self-determination, particularly where it concerns the very core of every human being – the expression of one’s own personality, love and partnership, physicality and sexuality.”
“Many are afraid”
At the same time, the attack, in all its hatred, was directed first and foremost against gay and lesbian people and the entire queer community, Steinmeier said. “Many of them are now afraid.”
In the past few years, Pride parades have been threatened and attacked, particularly in smaller towns, he noted.
The president emphasized: “We cannot tolerate this in a robust democracy. Consistent law enforcement, safety in public spaces, protection of civil society, an educational campaign, solidarity and empathy – the list of tasks is long; it is an obligation for us all.”
On the fringes of Berlin Pride on July 25, an Islamist attacker drove a van into a crowd and then allegedly attacked people with a machete. One woman was killed in the attack and at least 31 people were injured, some seriously.