Public Fund Recipients Should Not Be Allowed to Promote Gender Ideology
In a move that has sparked controversy, Culture Minister Wolfram Weimer of Germany is encouraging a return to traditional, non-gendered language in publicly funded cultural institutions. The minister, who has been in office since May 2025, has banned the use of gender-inclusive language—such as plurals with asterisks or special gender markings—in his own ministry's official communications.
Weimer argues that language is not a playground and emphasises the preservation of the traditional form and "beauty" of the German language. He believes that his initiative will help these institutions maintain a connection with audiences and avoid alienation caused by gender-inclusive forms. However, the minister has stopped short of enforcing a ban on gender-inclusive language in other publicly funded institutions.
This push towards traditional language forms challenges the progressive trend towards gender-inclusive language in Germany, which many supporters see as important for gender equality and representation. Critics argue that Weimer’s stance suppresses inclusivity and reflects a conservative pushback against socially progressive linguistic reforms.
The controversy has highlighted the broader tensions in Germany over gender-inclusive language and cultural identity in public institutions. Other federal ministries have not followed Weimer's appeal to ban gender-inclusive language, with some continuing to use asterisks and other markers.
Notably, Thuringia instructed its state authorities to avoid "grammatically incorrect gender language" at the end of 2022. Similarly, Bavaria followed with a ban on "gender language with special characters for gender specification" in authorities in spring 2024.
The German Journalists' Association, led by Mika Beuster, opposes Weimer's initiative against gender-neutral language in broadcasting. Beuster views Weimer's initiative as an interference with broadcasting freedom. Sven Lehmann, the chairman of the Culture Committee in the Bundestag, has criticised Weimer, calling him a "missionary culture warrior."
The controversy has also attracted the attention of Green politicians in the Bundestag. Misbah Khan, the deputy leader of the Green parliamentary group, sees an "implicit threat" in Weimer's statements, believing it to be an attack on the freedom of art and culture and an attempt to discipline critical voices. Khan believes that institutions that do not comply with Weimer's ban risk losing relevant financial funds.
In conclusion, the current controversy surrounding Culture Minister Wolfram Weimer centers on his push to discourage the use of gender-inclusive language in publicly funded institutions. While Weimer has banned gender-inclusive plurals and non-standard gender marks in his ministry's official communications, he has not enforced a similar ban on other publicly funded cultural institutions. The issue has sparked a debate about language, inclusivity, and cultural values in Germany, with significant opposition to Weimer's initiative from various quarters.
Finance ministers across Germany are closely monitoring the controversial move by Culture Minister Wolfram Weimer to discourage the use of gender-inclusive language in publicly funded institutions. This policy-and-legislation decision could have subsequent financial implications for cultural institutions, as critics argue that institutions that do not comply with Weimer's ban might risk losing relevant funds.
Meanwhile, politicians from the Green party, such as Misbah Khan, the deputy leader of the Green parliamentary group, have voiced concerns about the potential suppression of inclusivity and freedom of art and culture, viewing Weimer's statements as an implicit threat.
In light of the ongoing debate, businesses in the creative and media sectors may find themselves navigating a complex landscape as they weigh the implications of Weimer's initiative on general-news reporting, public broadcasting, and overall cultural identity.
