Berlin’s Governing Mayor Kai Wegner, of the CDU party, participated in the Christopher-Street-Day (CSD) parade and raised the rainbow flag as a demonstration against the rising incidence of violence targeting LGBTQ+ individuals.
Speaking at the commencement of Berlin’s CSD event on Saturday, Wegner acknowledged a concerning pattern of hate crimes. “We are living in times when we are unfortunately experiencing a renewed increase in hate crimes. Gay, lesbian and transgender people are being attacked, verbally and through violence. This is something we cannot tolerate” he stated in an interview with “Welt” television.
He emphasized the desire for Berlin to be a city embracing diversity and inclusivity. “We want Berlin to be colorful. We want to bring the rainbow-queer community into the center of society. We want to show that they are not alone and that hate, violence and exclusion must not be tolerated in this city and beyond.
When questioned regarding the absence of rainbow flags flying on government buildings, specifically in contrast to the German Bundestag, Wegner declined to comment, asserting his focus remains on the city of Berlin. He underscored the symbolic meaning of the rainbow flag, stating, “The rainbow flag stands for tolerance, it stands for diversity. And therefore, it stands for the fundamental values of this city.
Adding that, should antisemitic outbursts or violence against law enforcement occur during the “Internationalist Queer Pride” (IQP) event later that day, police will respond decisively. “Where antisemitism exists, where violence against police officers is employed, the police will act robustly and consistently with the full support of the Governing Mayor”. Wegner concluded, stating that tolerance has its limits-where tolerance is challenged or violated.
