A majority of Germans are calling for stronger protection against discrimination, according to a recent survey conducted by the Forsa polling institute. The “Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland” reported that 85 percent of respondents want an improvement in legal protection against discrimination.
Furthermore, 88 percent agreed that counseling centers for those affected by discrimination should be available nationwide. Similarly, 82 percent supported extending the time limits available to challenge unfair treatment, while the same proportion voted in favor of introducing collective litigation rights to allow affected individuals to be represented in court. The survey gathered data from 3,500 people between February 12 and March 16.
Ferda Ataman, the head of the Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency, told newspapers that “nowhere are people as alone when facing discrimination as in Germany.” She noted that the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG) will turn 20 this summer, arguing that it is high time for a fundamental reform, particularly given the backing of the majority of the population.
Currently, organizations and anti-discrimination agencies in Germany are prevented from taking legal action or supporting victims in court. The Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency also lacks alternative mechanisms, such as the right to obtain information or access pre-court decisions.
The Bundestag is scheduled to debate the reform of the AGG in its first reading on Thursday. The proposed amendments aim to provide victims with a longer window to assert their claims, extending the deadline from two to four months. Additionally, the protection against sexual harassment is set to be broadened, moving beyond the workplace to cover areas such as gyms and driving schools. However, Ataman stated that these changes are insufficient, calling on the parliament members to show “more courage” in implementing the necessary changes.
