Born: 2 March 1950 (Bilsdorf, Saar Protectorate, under French control)
Died: 23 April 2011
Biography:
Anne Klein (2 March 1950 – 23 April 2011) was a German lawyer and politician who made significant contributions to women’s rights in Berlin. Her groundbreaking work as a Berlin Senator and her activism within the feminist movement paved the way for greater gender equality in German society.
Klein was born in Bilsdorf, a small village in the Saar Protectorate, which was under French control at that time. Growing up in this region, Klein was exposed to the 1947 Saarland Constitution, which emphasized gender equality and equal pay for equal work. These principles would later shape her approach to gender politics and inspire her advocacy for women’s rights.
After completing her Abitur at the Realgymnasium in Dillingen, Klein pursued studies in Jurisprudence and Psychology at Saarbrücken. In 1972, she began her career as a referendary in Berlin, where she became actively involved in the city’s emerging feminist movement. Together with fellow activists, Klein established Berlin’s first women’s shelter and feminist legal advice center in the vibrant Kreuzberg quarter.
In 1978, Klein defied opposition from the German Law Society and founded the country’s first law practice specializing in women’s law. Her commitment to advancing gender equality within the legal system was evident throughout her career as a lawyer and notary specializing in family law. Until shortly before her death, Klein continued to work tirelessly in Berlin, championing the rights of women and families.
Klein’s influential political career began in 1983 when she joined the research team for the Green Party group in the Bundestag. This was a watershed moment for the party, as it was the first time its candidates had been elected to the assembly. During her time in this role, Klein collaborated closely with prominent party members, such as Waltraud Schoppe and Petra Kelly, focusing on issues related to women, antidiscrimination, and social affairs.
One of Klein’s notable achievements was her involvement in drafting the Green Party’s first anti-discrimination law. Although the law underwent further modifications before its introduction in the Bundestag, Klein’s intention was clear: to embed feminist policies within the Green Party’s strategy and elevate the role of women in shaping party policy.
In 1989, Klein found herself at the center of Berlin’s political landscape when the city region elections yielded inconclusive results. After extensive coalition negotiations, Walter Momper of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) emerged as the Governing Mayor of West Berlin. Despite this outcome, Klein accepted a role as a Berlin Senator, becoming one of the city’s key decision-makers.
During her tenure as a Senator, Klein focused her efforts on advancing women’s rights. She was a staunch advocate for policies promoting gender equality in areas such as employment, education, and healthcare. Furthermore, Klein made history by publicly acknowledging her identity as a lesbian, becoming the first Berlin Senator to do so. Her openness and courage paved the way for greater acceptance and visibility of LGBTQ+ individuals in German politics.
Anne Klein’s contributions to women’s rights and her unwavering dedication to advancing gender equality make her a crucial figure in German history. Her pioneering work as a lawyer and politician laid the foundation for progressive reforms, ensuring that the voices and rights of women were not ignored. Klein’s legacy continues to inspire future generations of activists and politicians striving for a more inclusive and equal society.