German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has faced strong criticism from left-wing parties after refusing calls to fly the rainbow flag over the Bundestag on July 26, Christopher Street Day.
In an interview with public broadcaster ARD on Tuesday, Merz supported an earlier decision by Bundestag President Julia Klöckner to reject the request. “The Bundestag is not a circus where every flag can be waved,” the head of the German government stated.
He added that the rainbow flag should only be displayed on May 17, the International Day Against Homophobia, Euronews reports. “All other days, only the German and European flags are flown – and that is the right decision,” he emphasized.
Opposition Outcry and Protest
The Chancellor’s statements sparked outrage among opposition deputies. Sophie Koch, government commissioner for LGBT rights and a Social Democratic Party deputy, accused Merz of implying that the LGBT community is treated like “circus animals.”
Green Party leader Katharina Dröge said the rainbow flag “represents a group that is increasingly facing hostility, violence, and hatred” and deserves a place in parliament. Green deputies organized a silent protest in the Bundestag chamber by wearing rainbow-colored clothing.
In previous years, the Bundestag has flown the flag during events dedicated to the community, and former chancellors have participated in Christopher Street Day celebrations – a German tradition stemming from the Stonewall riots in New York in 1969.
