Left Party MP Cansin Köktürk was thrown out of a German parliament plenary chamber on Wednesday for wearing a t-shirt with the word “Palestine” printed on it, a move deemed a political statement by the parliamentary leadership.
Bundestag President Julia Klöckner intervened during the session, reminding MPs that political messages on clothing are not permitted in the chamber.
While the Bundestag does not have a detailed dress code, its rules require MPs and visitors to dress “in keeping with the prestige” of the institution. Enforcement of this standard is left to the discretion of the session chair.
So, there is no actual rule that she actually broke, unless we interpret the word “Palestine” to be not in keeping with the prestige of the Budestag. Are other country names or geographical regions also not in keeping with the prestige of the Bundestag? Like, when I visit can I not wear a shirt that says “Greece” on it? Or that says “Quebec” or “Antarctica”? Or is this is a special rule for country names that butthurt Germany’s “staatsraison”?
if you, a tourist, would wear written clothing, nothing happens. It is for members of parliament that they can be expelled. Although we often times see politians dressed in light blue and yellow, to show solidarity with Ukraine. So why not for Palestine? That would be aNtisEmiTiSm
No political statements with clothing is established precedent and wearing a Palestine shirt today is a political statement. Greece? Currently, not really, no, don’t see it. During the Greek debt crisis? Yes it would’ve been.
She’s free to make a pro-Palestine speech, that’s how political statements are supposed to be done in parliament. Occasionally there’s stunts like these, and they always have the same outcome: A small amount of extra spotlight, then everyone forgets about it.
Ok… What if her shirt said “Israel?”
Also political.
Yes, but will you be removed for wearing that shirt?
Yes.
If it’s established precedent like OP said, then yes. Germany is still a strong liberal democracy with rules that mean something.
You know for a fact they would feel more awkward about that one, though. They’re still very sorry.
Probably not, because six million Jews that died at the hands of the nazis but did not have anything to do with nazi Israel are somehow related regardless so they are eternally guilt tripped into enabling anything Zionism related.