Deputy head of government Stengele in favor of constitutional amendment
Deputy Prime Minister Bernhard Stengele is calling for a constitutional amendment in Thuringia to better protect and promote Jewish life. It is also about protecting Sinti and Roma from discrimination, said the Green politician in Erfurt. Thuringia could take its cue from a constitutional amendment in Brandenburg when it comes to anchoring the law.
"The fact that Jews in Thuringia are increasingly at risk and feel unsafe is intolerable," said Stengele, who is Minister for the Environment and Energy. The state parliament recently dealt with the increasing anti-Semitism in the Free State. Both the governing Left, SPD and Green parties as well as opposition politicians from the CDU and FDP had made it clear that Thuringia was aware of the responsibility "that arises from our past". This also applies to the protection of Sinti and Roma.
"With the necessary two-thirds majority in the state parliament, a constitutional amendment would be a consistent commitment that the state, politics and Thuringian society guarantee the security of Jewish life and Jewish culture in Thuringia," explained Stengele. He hoped that the constitutional committee of the state parliament would adopt such an amendment.
The state parliament in Brandenburg passed a constitutional amendment in June 2022 and enshrined the fight against anti-Semitism and antiziganism as state objectives.
In Thuringia, there have been incidents at Jewish institutions and anti-Semitic graffiti in recent days, including at the synagogue in Erfurt.
The Deputy Prime Minister's proposal for a constitutional amendment extends to protecting not only Jewish life but also Sinti and Roma from discrimination. This aligns with the state's awareness of its past responsibilities and the fight against discrimination, as demonstrated in Brandenburg's constitutional amendment against anti-Semitism and antiziganism.
Source: www.dpa.com
