Green Party Slams Saxony-Anhalt Coalition over Stalled Funeral Law Reform
Magdeburg, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany – The Green Party has vehemently criticized the ruling black-red-yellow (CDU, SPD, FDP) coalition in the state parliament of Saxony-Anhalt for its slow progress on reforming the funeral law. Cornelia Lüddemann, Green Party parliamentary group leader, condemned the coalition’s inaction, stating, "Muslims and Jews in Saxony-Anhalt cannot bury their loved ones according to their religious traditions. This is a clear violation of religious freedom."
CDU’s "Pseudoarguments" and Lack of Welcome Culture
Lüddemann accused the CDU of presenting "pseudoarguments" in support of their opposition to Tuchbestattungen (burial in shrouds), such as concerns about soil conditions. She pointed out that Tuchbestattungen are permitted in all other federal states of Germany.
"Be honest, esteemed CDU: You do not want immigration; you refuse to consider migration as anything but a problem," Lüddemann asserted. "You have no understanding of a welcoming culture."
Contradiction with Coalition Agreement
The CDU’s resistance to Tuchbestattungen runs counter to a resolution passed by the black-red-yellow state government. In April 2023, the government introduced a draft law for a new funeral law that would have accommodated the needs of Muslim and Jewish communities.
"We seek to open up the funeral law to different cultures to reflect the diversity of religions," the coalition agreement between the CDU, SPD, and FDP stated.
CDU’s Concerns Questioned
The CDU has expressed concerns about the suitability of soil conditions and the decomposition process for Tuchbestattungen. However, experts have dismissed these concerns as unfounded.
Dr. Bernd Klöppel, a professor of forensics at the University of Münster, said, "There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that Tuchbestattungen pose a risk to the environment or public health."
Religious Freedom and Cultural Sensitivity
The Green Party emphasized the importance of respecting religious freedom and cultural sensitivity in funeral arrangements.
"For Muslims, burying the body in a shroud without a coffin is an essential religious practice," Lüddemann explained. "For Jews, it is forbidden to cremate a body."
Call for Coalition to Uphold Agreement
The Green Party urged the coalition parties to honor their commitment to intercultural openness in the funeral law.
"We demand that the CDU drop its unfounded objections and work with us to create a funeral law that reflects the diversity of our society," Lüddemann concluded.
