Heated Discussion About Biological Genders in the National Council

They had demanded that man and woman be enshrined as the only genders in the Basic State Law. The Greens demanded in an "urgent motion" protective measures against violence, such as a "Yes means Yes" principle in sexual criminal law. The session finally ended after 9:30 PM.

With another legislative proposal, the Freedom Party wanted to reverse an amendment to the Federal Equal Treatment Act passed in September of the previous year - instead of the now required "equal treatment based on gender," it should again be "equal treatment of men and women." Biologically, there are only two genders, said Dagmar Belakowitsch (FPÖ). Other variations in sex chromosomes are pathological and not a separate gender.

All other parties insisted on the rights of intersex individuals, where variations other than XX and XY can occur. The gender debate can be exaggerated, said Andreas Hanger (ÖVP), "but dear FPÖ, please acknowledge that intersex people exist." Henrike Brandstötter (NEOS) spoke of backward and illiberal motions. During the heated debate, the Third President of the National Council, Doris Bures (SPÖ), issued several calls to order to FPÖ deputies.

Greens for Protection Zones and More Independence for Women

In the afternoon, FPÖ, ÖVP, SPÖ, and NEOS previously voted against an "urgent motion" by the Greens. In it, they advocated, alongside "Yes means Yes," for protection zones in front of clinics that perform abortions. They also want a legal entitlement to childcare from the first birthday and "fairly" divided parental leave to promote the economic independence of women. Women financially dependent on their partners would ultimately be more likely to remain in violent relationships, said party leader Leonore Gewessler ahead of the "16 Days Against Violence Against Women" starting on November 25.

Minister for Women Eva-Maria Holzleitner (SPÖ) expressed positive views on some of the proposed measures. For example, the government would discuss the introduction of "Yes means Yes," and the examination of protection zones is also found in the government program. The new National Action Plan against Violence on Women is to be presented during the "16 Days."

The most important agenda item on Wednesday was the adoption of an amendment intended to simplify and accelerate large-scale procedures. However, the program of the plenary day was characterized by reports - such as the Art and Culture Report for 2024 - as well as resolutions. For example, the deputies unanimously called on the government to force driving schools to provide clearer price labeling for driving licenses.

(APA/Red)

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