One thing is for sure - if you are wearing a niqab, you will never, ever find a job. You will never, ever make friends, German friends or neighbors friends. So this is obviously something that is making integration impossible.

I've never made a secret of my homosexuality.

It's ridiculous to insinuate that the social recognition of homosexual civil unions damages families or the institution of marriage.

Let's not ask whether the parents are gay or heterosexual. The important thing is who the best parents are in each individual case.

I didn't choose to be gay. It would be more accurate to say that it was determined by nature.

A number of individuals tried to make my homosexuality a topic of debate. I admittedly found that rather upsetting.

Anyone who still feels today that he has to lead a double life because he's gay is driven by a fear that I think is unfounded.