AfD win in Saxony-Anhalt leaves LGBT rights 'under threat,' says group

The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) won 43.8% of the vote in Saxony-Anhalt, leading to concerns from the Federation Queer Diversity in Germany (LSVD+) about the potential threats to LGBT rights and other marginalized groups.

The LSVD+ organization warned that the social climate in Saxony-Anhalt has already changed noticeably, with misanthropic views becoming more openly supported, leading to increased denial and hatred towards queer people, individuals who have experienced racism, those with a migrant background, and people with disabilities.

The LSVD+ is advocating for solidarity within democratic civil society to defend human rights, promote diversity, and protect individuals from exclusion, threats, and persecution in the face of the AfD's election victory.

Following the resounding victory for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) in Saxony-Anhalt, the Federation Queer Diversity in Germany (LSVD+) has warned that queer people and other marginalized groups are set to face consequences.

"Our hard-won human rights for LGBTIQ* people are already not only constantly being called into question, but are also under active threat," said Alva Träbert from the Berlin-based organization on Friday.

LGBTIQ* stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, asexual and queer, with the asterisk serving as a placeholder for all other queer identities.

The AfD won 43.8% of the vote in Sunday's election and seeking to form a government despite narrowly missing out on a majority in the state parliament.

The LSVD+ said people from Saxony-Anhalt have already reported a distinctly noticeable change in the social climate.

"Misanthropic views have not only become more acceptable; they have long been openly and unashamedly supported," Träbert said.

Many queer people, people who have experienced racism, those with a migrant background or those with disabilities are facing increasing denial and open hatred in their everyday lives - and not just in Saxony-Anhalt, Träbert added.

"It is not just since Sunday that we have been asking ourselves: where and how can we safely be ourselves without exclusion, threats or persecution?"

The association is calling for solidarity within democratic civil society.

"It is up to all of us to shape and defend a diverse, democratic society, to look out for one another, and to stand up for our rights and those of our fellow human beings."