Weekly Updates from the German Parliament (Bundestag)
The German federal government has taken significant strides in addressing two pressing issues: homelessness and the rights of LSBTIQ* (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, queer) individuals.
The National Action Plan against Homelessness
The Federal Cabinet has adopted a comprehensive National Action Plan against Homelessness, aiming to eradicate homelessness in Germany by 2030. The plan encompasses guidelines for prevention, housing supply, acute accommodation, health care, knowledge exchange and networking, awareness-raising, and data collection. Notably, the plan includes an examination of whether housing promotion sufficiently considers the needs of homeless people and a commitment to implement all changes in tenancy law according to the coalition agreement.
The Aktionsplan "Queer leben"
On November 18, 2022, the federal government adopted the Aktionsplan "Queer leben" as a comprehensive strategy to advance the rights and acceptance of LSBTIQ* people. By mid-2025, 83 out of 134 planned measures across six areas of focus have been implemented or are in progress.
The six areas of focus and their specific planned measures are:
- Legal Recognition
- Simplifying procedures for gender and name changes.
- Further legal reforms to enhance recognition and protection of diverse gender identities.
- Participation
- Enhancing inclusion opportunities in society, education, work, and culture.
- Safety
- Measures to combat queerphobic violence and discrimination.
- Health
- Tailoring health services to better meet the specific needs of LSBTIQ* individuals.
- Strengthening Counseling and Community Structures
- Supporting and expanding counseling centers and community organizations.
- International
- Promoting sexual and gender diversity and protection of queer rights abroad.
The federal government has committed to reporting on the implementation progress in 2024 to the Bundestag and Bundesrat, ensuring transparency and ongoing evaluation. The measures are coordinated by the Federal Government Commissioner for Acceptance of Sexual and Gender Diversity, Sophie Koch, ensuring continued political oversight and commitment.
Other Notable Developments
- The federal government is modernizing the postal law to improve working conditions, ensure more sustainability, and strengthen the basic supply.
- The federal government is concluding deliberations on a coalition proposal for systematic and comprehensive strengthening of science communication.
- The German Bundestag is debating the National Action Plan against Homelessness this week.
- A study start aid of 1,000 euros will be introduced for students whose parents receive unemployment benefit or housing benefit.
- The federal government has submitted the Umweltbericht 2023, highlighting pressures on climate, water, soil, air, and nature.
These developments reflect the federal government's commitment to addressing critical issues, fostering societal inclusivity, and promoting sustainable practices.
- The federal government is taking significant steps in science communication by concluding deliberations on a coalition proposal for systematic and comprehensive strengthening.
- In the realm of health and wellness, the national focus is on tailoring health services to better meet the specific needs of LSBTIQ* individuals according to the Aktionsplan "Queer leben", a comprehensive strategy adopted by the government.
- Environmental science intersects with the federal government's initiatives as they highlight pressures on climate, water, soil, air, and nature in the Umweltbericht 2023 submission.
- In the domain of education and self-development, students facing financial instability due to parental unemployment or housing issues will receive a study start aid of 1,000 euros. Additionally, political discourse includes ongoing debates about critical issues such as homelessness, as demonstrated by the German Bundestag's debate on the National Action Plan against Homelessness this week. Lastly, there are attempts to combat climate change through the modernization of the postal law to improve working conditions, ensure more sustainability, and strengthen the basic supply.
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