Berlin’s 46th Pride rally kicked off on Saturday, when hundreds of thousands of people who support the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBTQ+) communities took to the streets of the German capital.
Organizers expected up to half a million people to march through Berlin under the slogan “Together we take a stand – democracy needs diversity”.
Activist Sophie Koch opened the event with a call for politicians to include protections for queer people in Germany’s Basic Law.
Under current law, people cannot be discriminated against or receive preferential treatment because of their sex, ethnicity, race, language, country of origin and origin, faith, religious or political opinions.
Supporters of the law argue that sexual orientation should be added to this list. The queer community has long called for the article to be changed.
Minister of Family Lisa Pau also spoke in favor of the change during his opening remarks. The Basic Law has a loophole, she said, and members of the queer community are not sufficiently protected.
In comments made before the opening ceremony, Paus also called for greater solidarity with members of the LGBTQ+ community in the face of increasing violence against them.
“Across Europe, we are witnessing a sociopolitical backlash… including here in Germany,” said the minister. The response must be more solidarity, he added.
The Pride gathering in Berlin is one of the biggest queer events in Europe.
The parade includes 75 floats, dozens of walking groups and several musicians, including German pop star Herbert Grönemeyer, a well-known celebrity in the country.
