Political Performance - Aidshilfe does not open a drug consumption room in Bavaria
A German AIDS aid organization, announced opening of a drug consumption room in Munich will not take place. The aid organization stated that no "real opening" was planned for this Friday, as it is illegal in Bavaria. "Our event is about a political performance with significant contributions to a topic that always causes heated controversies – as in this case directly after the invitation was sent," the aid organization explained and added that this should be understood as a artistic action. The German AIDS aid organization will not violate laws. "We want laws to change."
The "dedication ceremony for the first drug consumption room in the Free State of Bavaria" announced by the aid organization last week caused confusion. In contrast to other federal states, there is no legal basis for consumption rooms for addicts in Bavaria. In such drug consumption rooms, clean needles and other utensils are provided. In case of emergency, the staff can render first aid to the addicts and administer emergency medication.
The Munich state government strictly opposes such an offer for addicts. Therefore, there is no regulation for consumption rooms in the Free State, although several cities would be happy to introduce such an offer. The Bavarian Health Ministry reiterated in response to the opening announcement of the AIDS aid organization that there will be no legal regulation for consumption rooms in the Free State in the foreseeable future.
The aid organization's announcement for the opening of a drug consumption room in Munich, despite being illegal in Bavaria, reflects their desire to bring attention to the issue and seek changes in society's perception towards drug addiction. The Bavarian Health Ministry's stance against legalizing drug consumption rooms in Munich could potentially hinder the intended performance by the AIDS aid organization. Promoting the importance of health and wellbeing, the aid organization intends to challenge the societal status quo regarding drug abuse through their artistic action in Munich.
