Hamburg installs rainbow stairs despite CDU and AfD opposition
Hamburg is installing a rainbow staircase at the KörberHaus in Bergedorf. CDU and AfD voted against it, but the majority prevailed.
A rainbow staircase is coming to Bergedorf district in Hamburg. The stairs are located at the KörberHaus. The rainbow is a recognized symbol of the LGBTQ+ community.
The city council voted on this plan. CDU and AfD opposed the rainbow stairs. They lost the vote. The other parties supported the plan.
The CDU faction leader made a remarkable statement. He said: 'The LGBTQ+ community acts like queer life is something special. That is a problem for many people.' This statement received heavy criticism.
Critics say the CDU leader sends the wrong signal. Visibility of LGBTQ+ people is actually important. It helps people accept themselves. It shows that everyone is welcome.
The CDU called the stairs an 'unnecessary pride stunt'. But supporters see it differently. They say the stairs symbolize inclusivity. The stairs show that Hamburg is an open city.
Rainbow symbols in public spaces are not new. Many European cities have such symbols. They send a clear message: everyone is welcome, regardless of who you are or love.
Opponents of the stairs, like CDU and AfD, consider such symbols political. They want no 'statement' in public space. But supporters say that the absence of such symbols is itself a political choice.
The rainbow staircase in Bergedorf will be built. For Hamburg's LGBTQ+ community this is positive news. It shows the city supports them. Meanwhile, the vote demonstrates how divided politics still is over LGBTQ+ rights and visibility.
The Hamburg debate is not unique. All over Germany and Europe people debate LGBTQ+ community visibility. The Bergedorf rainbow stairs are a small but symbolic example of this broader discussion.