When the German Constitution came into force in 1949, it was shaped by the lessons learned from the horrific crimes of Nazism. Therefore, the prohibition of discrimination is anchored at the beginning, in Article 3, Paragraph 3:

"No one shall be discriminated against or given preference on the grounds of sex, descent, race, language, country of origin, creed, religious or political beliefs. No one shall be discriminated against because of his or her disability."

Yet despite their systematic persecution under the Nazi dictatorship, queer people found no mention.

As a result, it was possible for gay and bisexual men to be prosecuted for decades under the shameful paragraph 175, which criminalized sexual acts between men.

To this day, LGBT+ people remain excluded from protection against discrimination in Germany enshrined in the constitution. We want to change that now.

An amendment to Article 3 is currently being discussed in the German House of Representatives (Bundestag). This is the opportunity to finally expand the ban on discrimination to include sexual orientation and gender identity.

We demand a Constitution for everyone that guarantees protection, equality and dignity for ALL people. Sign the petition and share it with your friends!

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Update – 29 July 2026: After the attack at Berlin Pride: On 25 July 2026, a vehicle drove into the crowd at Christopher Street Day, Berlin's Pride. One woman was killed and 31 people were injured. We grieve with their loved ones and with the LGBT+ community in Berlin.

The Bundesrat's bill to amend Article 3 (Bundestag document 21/3064) has been before the Bundestag since December 2025 and is stuck in committee. After the attack, the SPD came out in support of protecting LGBT+ people in the Constitution. Changing the Constitution needs a two-thirds majority, and the CDU/CSU parliamentary group has not yet agreed. We're keeping up the pressure.

Update – September 26, 2025: The Bundesrat has decided to forward the proposal to include sexual identity in the Basic Law to the Bundestag.

That means: The debate on amending Article 3 of the Basic Law will now take place in Parliament. This brings constitutional protection for LGBT+ people a big step closer.

But caution: For the final constitutional amendment, a two-thirds majority in the Bundestag is required – so we must keep up the pressure.

Update – 1 July 2025: Berlin takes the first step!

Today, the Berlin Senate decided to launch a Bundesrat initiative to amend Article 3(3) of the German Basic Law to include the characteristic of “sexual identity.” The proposal is set to be submitted to the Bundesrat on 11 July 2025 – a crucial step toward better protection for queer people in Germany.

To succeed, this constitutional amendment requires a two-thirds majority in both the Bundestag and the Bundesrat.

To: The parliamentary group leaders in the German Bundestag

Dear parliamentary group leaders,

The German Constitution turns 77 this year. It still does not protect LGBT+ people.

The Bundesrat, Germany's federal council, has put a bill before you that adds sexual identity to Article 3(3) of the Constitution (Bundestag document 21/3064). It has been stuck in committee since December 2025. Changing the Constitution needs a two-thirds majority, and there is no two-thirds majority without the CDU/CSU parliamentary group.

Bring the bill to a vote in this parliamentary term, and vote for it.

A person's sexual orientation and gender identity must never be grounds for discrimination. Never again should the political mood of the day become a threat to people's freedom and dignity.

Make sure the German Constitution guarantees protection, equality and dignity to ALL people.