The legal framework
According to section 1 of the General Act on Equal Treatment (§ 1, Allgemeines Gleichbehandlungsgesetz, AGG), the purpose of this legislation is to prevent or stop discrimination on the grounds of race or ethnic origin, gender, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation.
The Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency provides independent advice and support for people who have experienced discrimination.
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Other relevant provisions under federal law
- Basic Law for the Federal Republic of Germany (Grundgesetz, GG), in particular article 3.German Civil Code (Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch, BGB)
- Works Constitution Act (Betriebsverfassungsgesetz, BetrVG), in particular sections 74 and 80 (§§ 74, 80, BetrVG)
- Social Code (Sozialgesetzbuch, SGB) IX: Participation of disabled peoplePart-Time and Limited Term Employment Act (Teilzeit-und Befristungsgesetz, TzBfG)
- Protection Against Unfair Dismissal Act (Kündigungsschutzgesetz, KüSchG)
- Civil Partnership Act (Lebenspartnerschaftsgesetz, LPartG)
- Academic Fixed-Term Contract Act (Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG)
- Federal law governing staff representation for public service employees (BPersVG),
General and higher education-related provisions under state law
The Berlin Equal Opportunties Act (Landesgleichstellungsgesetz), LGG
The Berlin Higher Education Act (Berliner Hochschulgesetz),BerlHG – section 4 sets out the responsibilities of higher education institutions (§ 4 Aufgaben der Hochschulen) and section 44 the rights and responsibilities of the members of higher education institutions (§ 44 die Rechte und Pflichten der Hochschulmitglieder)
Links to European Directives
Between 2000 and 2004, the European Union adopted four equal opportunity directives. These were transposed into German law by the General Act on Equal Treatment (AGG). For links to the EU Directives, please visit the website of the Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency.