Berlin's Young Socialists Propose Scrapping Civil Marriage for 'Responsibility Partnerships'
Berlin SPD Youth Wing Calls for Abolition of Marriage
The youth organization of Berlin's Social Democratic Party (SPD) is pushing to abolish marriage, arguing that "the patriarchy is one of the core systems of oppression in our society, massively reinforced and sustained by capitalism." The proposal, submitted by the Young Socialists (Jusos) for the state party conference, frames marriage as a pillar of patriarchal structures that "perpetuates the oppression of women by cisgender men."
"Therefore, we demand: Civil marriage must be abolished. All laws and regulations tied to it must be amended or likewise repealed," the resolution states.
Jusos Propose "Responsibility Partnerships" as Alternative
Instead of marriage, the Jusos advocate for the introduction of a "responsibility partnership"—a legal framework in which "people can assume mutual obligations for one another and their dependents, regardless of occasion, kinship, gender, or number."
Such partnerships would be registered through an application at the civil registry office. "If desired, a trial period may be agreed upon, after which the partnership must be actively and formally renewed by all members to continue."
No Tax Benefits for Married Couples
The proposal also calls for eliminating the "tax privileges" associated with marriage to uphold the principle of equal treatment. A "solidarity-based" tax system would replace current benefits for low-income couples.
If a partnership acquires shared property, it must be documented. "Upon a partner's departure, assets are to be divided equally unless otherwise agreed, with remaining members compensating the departing partner financially."
Existing marriages could remain in place or be converted into "responsibility partnerships." Ultimately, only "custody rights, inheritance laws, and residency provisions currently tied to civil marriage" would remain.
Marriage as an Institution of Female Oppression
The Jusos argue that over millennia, marriage has evolved into an institution that normalizes "systemic power imbalances." "Under the guise of romantic love, it obscured the fact that women who married often surrendered many of their rights to self-determination."
Historically, marriage relegated women to the role of housewife, subordinate to their husbands, the resolution claims. "For centuries, women could not work, open a bank account, or make major decisions without their husband's consent. In divorce, they were frequently deemed at fault, burdened with financial and social penalties, and often lost custody of their children and their share of jointly acquired property."
Queer People Excluded from Marriage
The proposal also condemns marriage as an institution long closed to "non-conforming" individuals. "Queer people and those living outside heteronormative structures were entirely excluded from marriage, while alternative family models were either unrecognized or criminalized and persecuted."
While such "oppressive rules" have been gradually dismantled in recent decades—largely due to efforts by social democrats—marriage remains "the core institution governing adult cohabitation," the Jusos argue.
The motion, titled "Down with the Patriarchy, Even When It Feels Romantic: Abolish Civil Marriage, Implement Responsibility Partnerships," was submitted for the SPD state conference on May 8–9. The party has deferred a decision until 2027.
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