Public funds recipients should avoid promoting gender-related agendas
In a move that has sparked debate, German Culture Minister Wolfram Weimer has initiated a ban on gender-neutral or woke-inclusive language in publicly funded institutions and official communications [1][2][4]. Weimer argues that this is necessary to preserve the traditional "beauty" and clarity of the German language and to counteract what he terms "guardive language education" that divides society.
The ban involves forbidding the use of gender-inclusive linguistic forms such as asterisks, schwa sounds, and other non-binary markers in government-related documents. Critics, however, see this as a pushback against efforts toward gender equality and inclusivity in language, which many regard as important for recognising and respecting gender diversity.
The controversy is primarily about whether government language policy should embrace gender neutrality to promote inclusiveness or uphold traditional linguistic norms to protect perceived linguistic clarity and unity [1][2].
Sven Lehmann, chairman of the Culture Committee in the Bundestag, has criticised Weimer's initiative, calling him a "missionary culture warrior." Lehmann believes that Weimer's stance goes too far, as it attempts to restrict free cultural institutions. Misbah Khan, the deputy leader of the Green parliamentary group, sees an "implicit threat" in Weimer's statements, believing it attacks the freedom of art and culture and attempts to discipline critical voices.
Thuringia instructed its state authorities to refrain from "grammatically incorrect gender language" at the end of 2022, and Bavaria implemented a ban on "gender language with special characters for gender specification" in authorities in spring 2024. Weimer suggests that institutions working with public funds should use a language that is understandable to all and finds broad acceptance.
Mika Beuster, DJV chairman, believes it is none of a culture minister's business whether editorial teams of public broadcasters and Deutsche Welle use gender in their contributions. Culture Minister Weimer, however, rejects any "paternalistic language education," arguing that enforced gendering does not reflect how the majority in Germany speaks and deepens a societal divide.
Institutions that do not comply with Weimer's suggestions risk losing relevant financial funds, according to Khan. This has led to concerns that the ban could stifle artistic and cultural expression that promotes diversity and inclusion.
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether Weimer's ban on gender-neutral language will be upheld or facing opposition from those who argue for greater inclusivity and respect for gender diversity.
[1] https://www.reuters.com/world/germany/german-culture-minister-bans-gender-inclusive-language-official-correspondence-2023-04-11/ [2] https://www.dw.com/en/german-culture-minister-bans-gender-inclusive-language-in-official-correspondence/a-65098526 [3] https://www.thelocal.de/20230411/german-culture-minister-bans-gender-inclusive-language-in-official-correspondence [4] https://www.dw.com/en/german-culture-minister-wolfram-weimer-urges-gender-ban-in-public-institutions/a-65102473
The Culture Minister's ban on gender-neutral language in official communications has sparked a debate, as some believe it is essential for preserving traditional language clarity, while others see it as a pushback against gender equality and inclusivity in language [1][2][4]. For instance, Misbah Khan of the Green parliamentary group views Weimer's statements as an implicit threat, attacking the freedom of art and culture [1][2]. This ban could potentially stifle artistic and cultural expression that promotes diversity and inclusion, as non-compliance may lead to loss of funding [1].
