Family, parenthood, law? Queer perspectives on the right to descent
Who is legally considered the parent of a child in Germany is still strongly influenced by traditional ideas about family and parenthood. The right of descent is largely based on the heteronormative two-parent model. Rainbow families and trans*, intersex, and non-binary parents are thus discriminated against. Their family life is often characterized by legal uncertainties. What could a right of descent look like that recognizes the diversity of families and regulates parenthood in a non-discriminatory and gender-equal manner?
The event organized by the Forum Recht Foundation in cooperation with the Magnus Hirschfeld Federal Foundation The reform of the inheritance law is examined from a queer and gender equality perspective. Our panel specifically addresses questions such as: What legal obstacles exist for queer families? How can social parenthood and diverse family forms be better legally recognized? And what steps are necessary to comprehensively establish equality in family law?
For our panel we have invited different perspectives from the legal, scientific and community sectors: The focus is on practical experiences as well as current issues in family and descent law.
Together with Dr. Lucy Chebout from the Constitutional Court of the State of Berlin and Vice President of the German Association of Jurists e.V., as well as Dr. Julia Teschlade from the HU Berlin and co-author of the book „On the Path to Normalcy? LGBTQ+ Families and Their Struggle for Recognition“ from 2025 Host Saraya Gomis current needs for reform and the question of how to shape family law in a way that is free from discrimination and promotes gender equality. The focus is also on concrete courses of action for policymakers, government agencies, and civil society.
Service
Participation: Admission is free. Registration is required by email to charlotte.schuckmann@mh-stiftung.de
Location: Foyer of the building of the Magnus Hirschfeld Federal Foundation, Anton-Wilhelm-Amo-Str. 34, Mitte, Berlin
For information about the venue's accessibility, please contact the Magnus Hirschfeld Federal Foundation.
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Podcast tip: We discussed some aspects of family law in our „Lets Talk About Recht“ issue „Who is a Family? Living Together between Law and Reality“, together with the German Association of Jurists e.V. The conversation is available here. Reprising as a podcast episode 6 available on our website.
