Disability Equality Act (BGG)

The Disability Equality Act (BGG) has been in force since 1 May 2002. It is intended to ensure equality for people with disabilities in the field of public law at federal level and implements the prohibition of discrimination set out in the Basic Law: ‘No one shall be disadvantaged on account of their disability’ (Article 3, paragraph 3, sentence 2).

The BGG is primarily aimed at federal authorities, bodies and institutions such as the federal ministries, the Federal Employment Agency and the German Federal Pension Insurance Fund. It also applies to other bodies when they implement federal law – such as pension or social welfare offices.

Key provisions of the Act include the prohibition of discrimination by public bodies and the obligation to ensure accessibility in federal authorities and their institutions (BGG, as at 2023).