Halle lakeside pool backtracks on 'xenophobic' German-language entry rule
The operator of the Heidebad leisure resort in Halle, in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt, argued the rule was a safety measure as guests must be able to understand instructions.
However, after a nationwide row broke out and amid pressure from city officials, Heidebad manager Mathias Nobel said he had reversed the entry rule – and will instead update the signage.
"I will install multilingual signs explaining the rules in effect at the Heidebad," Nobel said in an interview with German broadcaster MDR.
Heidebad is 'swimming pool for everyone'
The policy stated that only people with sufficient knowledge of German would be admitted to the privately-operated lakeside swimming facility.
The move sparked an uproar across Germany and prompted Halle city officials to intervene.
A spokesperson from the city said the move would be perceived as “xenophobic” and damage the city’s reputation. Furthermore, the rule violated the contractually agreed-upon duty of good conduct.
Halle cited the operating agreement between the city and the pool which says operators must ensure that access to the pool is guaranteed for the general public.
The city told The Local Germany it had already offered support on June 22nd, proposing multilingual versions of pool rules and safety information, alongside pictograms and QR codes designed to communicate hazards and behavioural rules in an accessible way.
Following a meeting in recent days between Nobel, city mayor Alexander Vogt and others, a statement from the city said: "Both partners agree that there cannot and will not be blanket entry bans for entire sections of the population. Nor do limited German language skills, in particular, justify such a ban. The Heidebad is a swimming pool for everyone."
"Ensuring health and safety is an absolute priority. We are in agreement on this too," said mayor Vogt.
He added that the city has vowed to support the pool in making bathing and behaviour rules more visible. The city will also provide guidance on the use of pictograms and assistance in formulating bathing rules in a way that is easy to understand, in multiple languages.
In an interview with MDR, Nobel rejected accusations that the original policy was racist or anti-immigrant. Nobel stressed that the "Heidebad is open to everyone – provided they abide by the rules".
He said staff will continue enforcing pool rules "very consistently" in future. However, Nobel emphasised that a person's language proficiency plays no role in the decision of whether a rule violation has occurred.
The controversy also led to a planned demonstration outside the Heidebad. Organisers from the local association ROSA later cancelled the protest after holding discussions with the operator.
