Online lecture series AGG reform - Part 5: Legal mobilization

From April 24.4.24th to August 21.8.24st, the online lecture series “Anti-discrimination for all: The potential of a comprehensive AGG reform for more equal opportunities and participation” will take place on six dates, in which we will take a closer look at the demands for the reform of the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG) that are coming from civil society - represented by the AGG Reform - Now! alliance. The lectures are intended to provide a low-threshold introduction to the AGG and the various criticisms of the law and to illustrate them using case studies from practice.

The General Equal Treatment Act (AGG) is the central law in Germany to combat discrimination. In almost 18 years of practical experience, the weaknesses of the AGG are widely known: The law does not protect everyone affected by discrimination, it does not apply to every area of ​​life and it has many gaps in protection.

Legal action against discrimination is also too difficult for those affected. For years, experts have therefore been calling for the introduction of a class action right, an expanded burden of proof and an increase in the time limit for asserting claims in cases of discrimination in order to improve legal enforcement for those affected by discrimination.

The traffic light coalition announced a reform of the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG) in the coalition agreement. There is currently no outline paper for the AGG reform. However, a reform is long overdue.

In this online lecture series, we would like to take a closer look at civil society's demands for reform of the law. The target group of the lecture series are anti-discrimination advisors, civil society organizations that work on anti-discrimination, and interested parties who would like to learn more about the AGG and the upcoming reform.

On July 17.07.24, XNUMX, the day of justice, we will focus on the challenging topic of legal mobilization and law enforcement. Because, as we all know, being right and getting justice are not always the same thing.
This is made clear to us by the many years of experience of those affected and anti-discrimination advice centers, as well as the few AGG lawsuits. This event will examine various aspects of this topic, including the importance of advice and support for those affected, the problem of AGG deadlines, the right to bring class action lawsuits, the difficulties of proving and the need for deterrent compensation payments.

Eva Maria Andrades is a qualified lawyer and managing director of the German Anti-Discrimination Association (advd). For over 10 years, she has been providing anti-discrimination advice to people affected by racism, helping them assert their rights and assisting them in court proceedings. In her work, she advocates an active policy against racism and discrimination and calls for, among other things, the strengthening of communities affected by racism and those who have experienced discrimination, the improvement of legal protection against discrimination and the expansion of comprehensive advice structures for those affected.

Leonie Thum is a lawyer and specialist in labor law. She is the owner of the Thum law firm and advises exclusively employees, their committees and interest groups.