The dress code regulations in Baden-Württemperg state parliament have what level of stringency?
MP Dress Code Debate Erupts in Baden-Württemberg State Parliament
In a recent turn of events, the dress code for Members of Parliament (MPs) in the Baden-Württemberg state parliament has come under scrutiny. The controversy began when Karlsruhe Left MP Marcel Bauer wore a black beret during a plenary session in May 2023.
The rules of procedure in the Baden-Württemberg state parliament state that "appropriate clothing" should be worn in the plenary hall, but do not specify a strict dress code. Similarly, the rules of procedure of the Bundestag, Germany's federal parliament, state that clothing and behavior must respect the dignity of the house, but the wearing of headwear in the plenary hall is not explicitly regulated.
Initially, Bundestag President Julia Klöckner asked Marcel Bauer to remove his beret. However, Bauer has stated he will refrain from wearing headwear during plenary sessions until the legal situation becomes clearer. There is no ban on headwear in the Baden-Württemberg state parliament, but the absence of a clear regulation has led to this debate.
This is not the first time the Bundestag has seen a controversy over MPs' attire. In 1985, Joschka Fischer caused a stir with his white sneakers, and FC Bayern Munich jerseys have also caused a stir in the past.
When it comes to gender-specific dress codes, female MPs are expected to cover their shoulders, while male MPs should wear a jacket and preferably a tie, although there is no obligation to do so. There are exceptions for lapel pins that exclusively indicate party affiliation.
It's important to note that any use of inappropriate symbols or attire causing offense is subject to condemnation and disciplinary action. For example, a political incident involving the display of a symbol (a swastika drawn on a ballot paper), which was widely condemned and led to the resignation of the deputy speaker, demonstrates this.
However, the specific rules about MPs' dress code in the Baden-Württemberg state parliament, such as whether MPs may wear badges, pins, or specific types of clothing, are typically set internally by the parliament’s rules of procedure or a dress code policy document. These details would need to be consulted directly from official Baden-Württemberg parliamentary sources.
On hot days, the presiding president may allow jackets to be removed, but buttons are not allowed during plenary sessions in the Baden-Württemberg state parliament.
This ongoing debate highlights the need for clear and consistent dress code regulations in parliamentary settings, ensuring respect for the dignity of the house while also allowing for personal expression.
Management should consider updating the dress code policy in the Baden-Württemberg state parliament to address the ongoing controversy, ensuring clarity and consistency. This could potentially include sections on appropriate attire for lifestyle, fashion-and-beauty, and home-and-garden, to address the broad range of personal expressions displayed by MPs.
Clarity in the rules would also allow for a more comfortable and inclusive environment for all members, ensuring that allegiances are represented through party-specific badges, pins, and other accessories, while still maintaining the dignity of the house.
