Lecture on gender cancelled at German university

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The federal government wants to abolish the Transsexual Act (TSG) and replace it with a Self-Determination Act. The new regulation is intended to serve as a uniform solution for trans, intersex and non-binary people to change their gender entry and first names.

After protests from the left, Humboldt University canceled a lecture by biologist, Marie Luise Vollbrecht on biological sexes. Now it is being criticized – also by Science Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger.

The lecturer

The Science Minister

Because activists from the left-wing called for protests, the Humboldt University (HU) canceled a lecture by biologist, Marie Luise Vollbrecht on Saturday. "For safety concerns," the HU said - they didn't want to endanger the entire event. Vollbrecht wanted to appear as part of the "Long Night of Science". The title of her lecture: "Gender is not the same gender. Sex, gender and why there are only two sexes in biology”. Activists accused her of queer and transphobia.

Education and Science Minister, Bettina Stark-Watzinger (FDP) has now commented on the incident. She criticized the university's decision. The minister told the "Bild" newspaper: "It must not be in the hands of activists which positions may be heard and which not." Stark-Watzinger called on the activists to accept the freedom of science: "Science lives on freedom and debate. Everyone has to endure that.”

Bundestag Vice President Wolfgang Kubicki (FDP) also expressed concern about the incident. "In the sense of defending freedom of expression in society as a whole, this incident must be taken very seriously," said Kubicki to "Bild". On Saturday, at the request of WELT AM SONNTAG, the HU had announced that they very much regret "that Ms. Vollbrecht cannot give the lecture". We are looking for a way to catch up on the event at a later date.