The Bern city government has declined a proposal to grant a permanent annual reservation for the Women's Strike on Bundesplatz. This decision means organizers will continue to apply for permits each year, despite calls from a city council faction to streamline the process and acknowledge the event's significance.
Key Takeaways
- Bern city government rejected a permanent reservation for the Women's Strike on Bundesplatz.
- The GB/JA city council faction proposed the permanent reservation to ease administrative burdens.
- The government acknowledges the strike's importance but cites a policy of no special permanent reservations for specific dates.
- The main rally will still occur on Bundesplatz annually, but organizers must reapply for permits.
Bern's Decision on Bundesplatz Access
The main rally for the Women's Strike has traditionally taken place on Bundesplatz, a central and symbolic location in Bern. The strike occurs annually on June 14. A proposal from the GB/JA city council faction aimed to secure a fixed reservation for this date each year.
The city government, however, rejected this motion. They stated that while they recognize the importance of the date and the movement's concerns, creating a special legal provision for a single event is not their policy. This means organizers will continue with the existing annual permit application process.
Did You Know?
Bundesplatz, or Federal Square, is located in front of the Federal Palace in Bern, which houses the Swiss Federal Assembly and the Federal Council. It is a common venue for public demonstrations and national events.
Arguments for Permanent Reservation
Proponents of the permanent reservation argued that such a measure would remove administrative obstacles for the strike movement. They emphasized that it would also demonstrate the city's commitment to gender equality.
The faction suggested adapting the regulations for public gatherings to accommodate the request. They believed this would align with Bern's responsibility to promote equality and support the important social dialogue generated by the strike.
"Removing administrative hurdles for the strike movement would signal the city's clear commitment to gender equality and simplify the organization of this crucial annual event," a spokesperson for the GB/JA faction stated.
Government's Stance on Special Rules
The Bern city council acknowledges the significance of the June 14 date. However, they are unwilling to establish a unique legal precedent for a single event. Their response highlighted that other date-bound movements also do not receive permanent reservations for public spaces.
The city government assured that the concerns of the Women's Strike would continue to be considered during the regular permit application process. This suggests that while a fixed reservation is off the table, the event's importance will still factor into permit approvals.
Background on the Women's Strike
The Women's Strike, also known as the Feminist Strike, is a significant annual event in Switzerland. It advocates for equal rights, fair pay, and an end to gender-based violence. Thousands of people participate across the country each year, with Bern's Bundesplatz serving as a major focal point.
Impact on Future Events
The decision means organizers of the Women's Strike will need to submit a new application each year to use Bundesplatz. While the city council's response implies continued support for the event's presence on the square, the administrative effort remains.
This approach maintains a consistent policy for all public gatherings in Bern. It avoids creating exceptions that could lead to similar requests from other organizations or movements. The city aims for fairness and equal treatment in the allocation of public spaces.
- Annual Application: Organizers must apply for a permit every year for the June 14 event.
- No Special Legal Status: The city will not create a specific regulation for this particular strike.
- Continued Dialogue: The city government will still consider the strike's objectives during the permit review.
- Policy Consistency: This decision upholds the city's general policy regarding public space reservations.
Looking Ahead
Despite the rejection of a permanent reservation, the tradition of the Women's Strike gathering on Bundesplatz is expected to continue. The city's acknowledgment of the event's importance, even without a special status, suggests a willingness to facilitate its presence.
Organizers will likely adapt to the ongoing annual application process. The focus will remain on the core message of the strike: advocating for greater equality and social justice across Switzerland.