CSD Regensburg: Safety first – parade shortened due to threats!

CSD Regensburg: Safety first – parade shortened due to threats!

This year's Christopher Street Day (CSD) will be celebrated in Regensburg on July 5th, but the anticipation of the event is clouded by an "abstract threat situation". How Picture Reportedly, the CSD organizer Alexander Irmisch was informed by the police about an impending danger that was hinted at in an email. From this one could conclude that there was a possible attack with a car. The email itself was not sent directly to the organizers, but was forwarded by the police. The North Rhine-Westphalia State Criminal Police Office is involved in the investigation, but the identity of those threatening remains unclear.

In view of the serious security concerns, the organizers and the police have decided to shorten the parade route. What was originally supposed to lead through the old town is now being replanned. The rally begins at Cathedral Square and leads over the Stone Bridge to Stadtamhof. The aim of these measures is to ensure the safety of the approximately 2,000 expected participants, as the safety of people and emergency services is the top priority, said Irmisch taz executed. However, he cannot help but emphasize that this cannot be a permanent solution.

Growing threats to the queer community

While preparations for the CSD in Regensburg are in full swing, this is not the only event that is accompanied by threatening circumstances. The number of anti-queer attacks is increasing across Germany, a fact that is becoming visible in various regions. In Regensburg alone, mobilization and hostility from right-wing extremist groups against such events have increased since last year. Religious fundamentalists are also not idle, which increases the pressure on the queer community.

The situation is becoming increasingly precarious, particularly in East Germany. Loud daily news CSDs there are often accompanied by right-wing threatening gestures. The AfD has gained influence in many of these regions, putting queer lives in danger. An example of this is the CSD in Schönebeck near Magdeburg, which was dissolved prematurely due to a lack of security personnel. Such incidents also raise questions about the political significance of CSD events and show how necessary it is to raise awareness and protect queer people.

Safety precautions and the future of CSDs

The security precautions surrounding the CSD in Regensburg not only lead to changed routes, but also to higher costs for the organizers. Many fear that such financial hurdles could mean the end of the CSD street festivals. Fortunately, local authorities and police have a good handle on how to secure such events. However, many feel that it is important not only to protect participants during the event, but also to create a foundation for future celebrations that are free from fear.

It remains to be hoped that the CSDs can continue to take their place in social life and that the visibility of queer issues, especially in rural areas, will be further strengthened. The CSD not only commemorates the historic uprising of the queer community on New York's Christopher Street in 1969, but is also a symbol of tolerance and diversity in our society. The motto “We will not be intimidated!” could therefore also become a strong signal in Regensburg.