Germany debates reform of General Equal Treatment Act

Experts have expressed conflicting views regarding the German government's proposed reform of the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG). During a public hearing of the Bundestag's legal committee, stakeholders debated the adequacy of the draft legislation.

The government's proposal includes extending the deadline for AGG claims from two to four months and establishing a mediation body within the Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency (ADS). It also seeks to increase the ADS's involvement in legal proceedings.

Critics, including representatives from human rights and disability advocacy groups, have labeled the draft insufficient. They argue it lacks essential provisions such as the right to reasonable accommodations, mandatory accessibility, and the right for associations to file lawsuits (Verbandsklagerecht). Some advocates also called for the recognition of chronic illnesses as disabilities and protections against arbitrary exclusion from services like travel and insurance.

Conversely, representatives from employer associations expressed concerns that the proposed regulations may go beyond what is necessary for effective and legally secure discrimination protection. The debate also included discussions on preventing potential misuse of the law.