Overview
- Klaus Wowereit told the Deutsche Presse-Agentur on Thursday that law and institutional sensitivity for LGBT people have advanced but that everyday intolerance appears to be increasing.
- He said verbal attacks, hostility and assaults are rising even in Berlin and blamed the trend on political exploitation of fears and cultural or religious teachings that preach against homosexuality.
- Wowereit noted police and courts are more responsive to victims than in the past but remain reactive, so he urged preventive work in schools, sports clubs and community life to stop harms before they occur.
- He singled out professional sport and some workplaces as areas where coming-out is still difficult and said visible public role models and local clubs have a duty to change everyday norms.
- Marking the 25th anniversary of his 2001 public coming-out, Wowereit said he is proud of its impact and plans to join Berlin’s Christopher Street Day in July, a presence he hopes will keep attention on prevention and acceptance.