Sexual harassment: Germany debates ban on catcalling

Deutsche Welle (DW)CenterEN 5 min read 100% complete by Julie GregsonOctober 25, 2025 at 04:26 PM

AI Summary

long article 5 min

In Germany, verbal sexual harassment is not criminalized under current laws, unlike non-consensual touching acts like groping which became illegal in 2016. The Social Democrats (SPD) argue there is a legal loophole that needs addressing and propose punishment for unwanted, substantial, and targeted verbal or non-verbal sexual harassment. SPD politician Sonja Eichwede emphasizes the significant impact of such behavior on young women, often leading to their withdrawal from public spaces. Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig is examining potential legal options, while Chancellor Friedrich Merz's conservatives are open to reviewing any reform plans but do not see additional legislation as necessary.

Key Topics & Entities

Friedrich Merz 50% Stefanie Hubig 60% Sonja Eichwede ×270% Germany ×480%

Keywords

sexual harassment 100% catcalling 90% germany 80% legal options 70% verbal sexual harassment 70% social democrats (spd) 60% justice minister stefanie hubig 50% insult laws 50% public spaces 40% legal loophole 40%

Sentiment Analysis

Negative

Score: -0.30

Source Transparency

Source

Deutsche Welle (DW)

Political Lean

Center (-0.10)

Far LeftCenterFar Right

Classification Confidence

90%

Geographic Perspective

Germany

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis. The political bias score ranges from -1 (far left) to +1 (far right).

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sexual harassment catcalling germany legal options verbal sexual harassment social democrats (spd)justice minister stefanie hubig insult laws public spaces legal loophole

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