COVID-19 demonstration in Luxembourg City, 11 December 2021;
Credit: Ali Sahib
On Monday 21 October 2024, Luxembourg's Ministry of Home Affairs confirmed that a new draft law on outdoor gatherings in public spaces is currently being prepared.
The statement came in response to a news article published earlier that day and which argued that the first draft of this legislation left "enormous scope for interpretation for a very restrictive approach".
The ministry clarified that the article in question was based on the preliminary draft law prepared by Luxembourg's former Minister of Internal Security.
A new preliminary draft law is currently being prepared, based on a parliamentary motion dating to 7 December 2021 (amid COVID-19 restrictions). As reported by the ministry, this motion calls on the executive branch to "review the security arrangements in place during demonstrations" and "to examine the need for tougher criminal sanctions".
The ministry also recalled that the 2023-2028 coalition agreement states: "During the many demonstrations that took place in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, it became apparent that Luxembourg does not have adequate legislation to regulate demonstrations. Thus, the Government will introduce a legal framework necessary for the smooth running of gatherings, by guaranteeing the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and outdoor gatherings."
