German Parliament President Julia Klöckner has come under fire from her own party and the LGBTQ+ community for her stance on the Christopher Street Day (CSD) parade.
Sönke Siegmann, the head of the Lesbians and Gays in the Union (LSU), a German LGBTQ+ organization, has criticized Klöckner’s decision, stating that it gives the impression that the German Parliament is turning its back on the community. Siegmann, who has invited Klöckner to ride on an LSU float during the CSD, believes that a personal, neutral appearance without official symbols would be a strong signal of tolerance.
The LSU leader also called for the participation of German Chancellor and CDU leader Friedrich Merz in the CSD, stating that it would be a powerful symbol of support. Siegmann believes that Merz, who has previously made questionable statements about the LGBTQ+ community, has learned from his mistakes and is genuinely committed to the cause.
In a surprising twist, Siegmann acknowledged that the CDU often deliberately abstains from participating in the CSD, citing that the party is seen as the perfect villain. Despite past misunderstandings, Siegmann defended Merz, stating that the CDU leader is not an enemy of the LGBTQ+ community.