Members of the German Bundestag have been asked to refrain from wearing a specific flower symbol during a debate this Friday commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide.
A spokesperson for Bundestag President Julia Klöckner (CDU) confirmed to the “Rheinische Post” that the fundamental principle guiding parliamentary debate is that it should be conducted through words alone, not through symbols, stickers, or other physical demonstrations. The governing bodies have discussed and are now recommending, a general policy against the wearing of symbols within the plenary hall for the duration of this parliamentary session.
The decision comes after members of the SPD parliamentary group announced their intention to wear pins shaped like the white and green “Srebrenica flower” during the debate. The flower, composed of eleven white petals representing the date July 11, 1995 and a green center symbolizing hope, is used as a memorial to the victims of the Srebrenica genocide. The white petals are intended to represent the innocence of those killed.