The 46th Pride demonstration kicked off in Berlin on Saturday, with hundreds of thousands of people taking to the streets of the German capital to support the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBTQ+) community.
The organizers expected that about half a million people would march through Berlin under the motto ‘Together we take a stand – democracy needs diversity’.
Activist Sophie Koch opened the event with a call to politicians to include the protection of homosexuals in the German constitution.
Under current law, people may not be discriminated against or favoured on the basis of their gender, ethnicity, race, language, country of origin and ancestry, faith or religious or political opinions.
Supporters of the law argue that sexual orientation should be added to the list. The queer community has long called for the article to be amended.
Family Minister Lisa Pope also spoke in favor of the amendment during her opening speech. The Basic Law has a loophole, she said, and members of the queer community are not adequately protected.
In remarks ahead of the opening ceremony, the Pope also called for greater solidarity with members of the LGBTQ+ community, given the increasing violence against them.
“Across Europe we are witnessing a socio-political backlash … also here in Germany,” the minister said. The response must be more solidarity, she added.
The Pride rally in Berlin is one of the largest queer events in Europe.
The parade consists of 75 floats, dozens of walking groups and a number of musicians, including German pop star Herbert Grönemeyer, a well-known celebrity in the country.
