Germany’s disability rights reform sparks outrage over weakened protections

A draft law meant to empower disabled Germans instead shields businesses from accountability. Advocates warn of a step backward for equal rights.

, and Administrator

2025 December 4 . 1:02 AM

1 min read

In this picture we can see some men and women walking on the pedestrian path. Beside there is a... — In this picture we can see some men and women walking on the pedestrian path. Beside there is a silver bus moving on the road. Behind there is a brown building with glass windows. On the left corner we can see a white and green banner board.

Germany’s disability rights reform sparks outrage over weakened protections

A proposed reform of Germany’s Disability Equality Act (BGG) has drawn sharp criticism from advocacy groups. They argue the draft law fails to protect disabled people and instead shields businesses from accountability. At the end of 2023, the country counted 7.9 million individuals with severe disabilities—many of whom face persistent barriers in daily life.

The current BGG requires public authorities to guarantee accessibility, allowing equal participation and stronger legal challenges against discrimination. However, the revised draft extends obligations to private providers of goods and services—but only if explicitly requested. This case-by-case approach renders the rules nearly powerless in the private sector, according to critics.

The revised BGG would leave private businesses largely exempt from mandatory accessibility unless individuals file specific requests. Advocacy groups insist this approach undermines progress and fails to address systemic discrimination. Without stronger enforcement, they warn, millions will continue facing unnecessary barriers in work, education, and daily life.