Thorsten Frei, the leader of the CDU parliamentary group, has strongly opposed the idea of enshrining a ban on discrimination based on sexual identity into the Basic Law. Speaking to the newspapers of the Funke media group, Frei stated that he does not believe such a step is necessary. While he understands the queer community’s desire for this symbolic constitutional move, he argues it would overly burden the constitution.
Previously, the SPD had also supported this measure following the CSD attack in Berlin. However, Frei countered this by pointing out that Article 3 of the Basic Law already prohibits discrimination of any kind, a point he emphasized has been clearly upheld multiple times by the Federal Constitutional Court. Although he acknowledges the difficult situation faced by affected individuals, he maintained that formalizing this protection would not necessarily bring greater security to queer people.
Frei also rejected the proposal to display the rainbow flag at the Reichstag during the upcoming CSD. The CDU/CSU party chairman stated that symbolic or “motto” flags should not be displayed on official parliamentary premises. He stressed that state buildings should only fly two flags that represent the fundamental values of the nation: the Black-Red-Gold flag and the flag of Europe.
Furthermore, the CDU politician voiced his opposition to any changes regarding surrogacy law in Germany. He stated, “I see no need for changes,” adding that neither the CDU nor the broader Union parliamentary group perceived such a necessity.
