When the publicist Ferda Ataman took over the office of anti-discrimination officer almost a year ago, there were many reservations. Did she clear the concerns?
Ferda Ataman is 43 years old, born in Stuttgart to Turkish parents – and has been the independent federal commissioner for anti-discrimination for almost twelve months. For many years, as a controversial publicist and journalist, she drew attention to where the immigration society in Germany does not work. Now their range is much wider. Nevertheless, Ataman is probably still unknown to many people, especially since she has not yet caused any storms of protest in her office.
On July 7, 2022, Ataman was elected in the Bundestag at the suggestion of the Green Minister for Family Affairs, Lisa Paus. Despite all resistance from the opposition, Paus had her candidate pushed through. “I’m sure that in her new role, Ferda Ataman will be a voice for all people in this country who experience discrimination,” said Paus.
Union vs Ataman
Ataman did not get the votes of the Union. She hadn’t forgiven her the critical tones that Ataman, as a publicist, sometimes used in articles about Germany as a country of immigration and discrimination against migrants. Among other things, Ataman quoted in an article the term “potato” for Germans, which was meant to be derogatory among migrants, without condemning them. The Union had also accused her of hiding discrimination or anti-Semitism within migrant milieus. The traffic light coalition partner FDP also had concerns about the personnel.
But Ataman also courted her opponents after her election. “I would like to convince those who have not yet been able to place their trust in me with my work.” She promised that as the Independent Anti-Discrimination Ombudsman, she would stand up for everyone in the country when they experience discrimination. And it doesn’t matter whether it’s discrimination because of age, a disability, origin, gender, sexual identity or religion and world view.
position without provocation
As federal commissioner, Ataman chooses clear words, but refrains from judgements. She does not mix personal experiences with her job. When she presented a current study on the subject of discrimination in the immigration society at the end of April, she sent a message in advance: “There is no society free of discrimination, in any country in the world and of course not here in Germany either.”
Ataman herself no longer sees discrimination based on origin as her main issue. Rather, she announced that she wanted to focus on age discrimination during her term of office. However, she has not yet become concrete.
In recent months, Ataman has spoken out on a broader range of issues – in a matter-of-fact tone, but without fear of political offense. On the anniversary of the attack in Hanau, she explained that Germany still had a racism problem – referring to the “Pascha” statement by CDU leader Friedrich Merz. In June, she called the right-wing extremist incidents at a school in Brandenburg “just the tip of the iceberg.” When the incidents on film sets by star director Til Schweiger became known, she called for more protection against sexual harassment in the cultural and media scene.
criticism on Self-Determination Act
Ataman is currently demanding changes to the self-determination law that the traffic light coalition has presented. From Ataman’s point of view, the replacement of the old “transsexual law” is long overdue. However, she sees formulations in the explanatory text of the new law that transport prejudices. She would like to change these sentences. She also considers the reference to house rules in the new law to be superfluous.
As Federal Commissioner, Ataman no longer allows himself to make bold or polarizing assessments. She is now drilling the thick boards. For example, when it comes to the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG): It is the basis of their work, but it has so far excluded many areas in which discrimination occurs. Anyone who feels discriminated against, for example by the authorities, in the education system or in the media, cannot contact the commissioner. “In international comparison, German anti-discrimination law is very weak,” says Ataman. It puts obstacles in the way of those affected if they want to enforce their rights. She therefore demands that the Equal Treatment Act must be expanded.
Conclusion after a year in office: As an argumentative publicist, Ataman has probably triggered more debates. She takes her job as an anti-discrimination officer seriously – but things have gotten quieter around her.