Head of the Office for the Protection of the Constitution in Cologne: Dispute over LGBTQ support!

Head of the Office for the Protection of the Constitution in Cologne: Dispute over LGBTQ support!

A bang at the queer political human rights conference of the SPD parliamentary group: Thomas Haldenwang, head of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, caused a sensation when he described his agency as a “reliable partner” of the LGBTQ movement. Dressed with the “Progress Pride” flag on its lapel, Haldenwang reaffirmed its commitment to freedom and diversity. For him, the rainbow flag is more than just a symbol, it is a “permanent confession and promise.”

Cologne thus became the scene of a heated debate about neutrality in the public service. Critics criticize Haldenwang's appearance as a violation of the duty of neutrality when political symbols are openly displayed. Despite these concerns, the Federal Ministry of the Interior points out that there is no official approval requirement for such representations. The burning question remains: How neutral does the public service have to be?

Political controversy

The appearance of the President of the Office for the Protection of the Constitution aroused sharp reactions. Leif-Erik Holm from the AfD expressed his displeasure with “Junge Freiheit” about Haldenwang’s “embarrassing” appearance and denounced the shift in priorities at the Office for the Protection of the Constitution. Instead of, as he put it, chasing “right-wing ghosts,” the focus should be on actual dangers such as Islamists and anti-Semites. Holm calls for consistent steps from the federal government against Haldenwang’s “misbehavior”.