Equality in focus: Prof. Lembke's groundbreaking lecture in Passau

Equality in focus: Prof. Lembke's groundbreaking lecture in Passau

On June 4, 2025, Prof. Dr. Ulrike Lembke, a renowned constitutional lawyer and judge at the Berlin Constitutional Court, gave a lecture at the University of Passau entitled "Genders? Yes, absolutely!". The event was organized by the Office for Diversity and Equality at the University of Passau and the Representatives for Equality for Women in Science and Art and took place in the Innstegaula. Around 120 participants were able to take part in the discussion about constitutional perspectives on gender-equitable language and official language regulations.

In her lecture, Lembke discussed the legal framework that exists in Bavaria and Hesse for the official language in the public service. She emphasized the fundamental right to protection against discrimination, regardless of gender, identity or way of life. The lecture clearly demonstrated that legal arguments against gender-inclusive language, such as official bans, were potentially unconstitutional and could promote discrimination.

The social discourse

The debate about gender-equitable language is becoming increasingly socially and politically relevant. Lembke described the resistance to this form of language as an expression of anti-feminism and anti-constitutional tendencies. She pointed out that right-wing extremist actors also exert their influence on democratic parties and the social center, which further polarizes the discourse.

One of Lembke's central concerns is the constitutional obligation to use gender-equitable language, which she addressed in a legal expertise published in December 2021. This expertise, which was commissioned by the city of Hanover, deals more intensively with the introduction of gender-fair administrative language, including the gender star. Hanover is one of the first municipalities in Germany to successfully implement this approach.

Legal challenges and perspectives

The expertise examines key counterarguments as well as the question of accessibility and highlights possible challenges in the practical implementation of gender-appropriate language. A key result of the work is the realization that gender-equitable language not only promotes equality between women and men, but also implies the recognition of other gender identities beyond “male” and “female”.

Lembke's statements and the legal framework represent a critical point in the current debate, which is being driven forward by various socio-political actors. The role of language in schools and administration is a crucial topic that continues to require broad discussion. After the lecture, the participants had the opportunity to exchange ideas and discuss, which underlined the relevance and interest in this topic.

Overall, the lecture by Prof. Dr. Ulrike Lembke examines the pressing questions and the legal background to gender equality in language and strengthens the social discourse that is being conducted intensively in several federal states, including Bavaria. For further information on the legal aspects of gender-appropriate language uni-passau.de be visited. This also offers further insights antidiscriminationsstelle.de, while uni-passau.de provides comprehensive information on the debate.