AfD lawmaker fined after correcting leftist MP's inaccurate clitoral claim

In a March 19 session marking International Women’s Day, Die Linke MP Kathrin Gebel claimed the clitoris has 3,000 nerve endings, a statement later shown to be inaccurate. AfD MP Martin Reichardt interrupted to highlight the error, leading Vice-President Andrea Lindholz of the CSU to fine him €1,000 under Bundestag rules. Reichardt filed a written objection, arguing his remark was a factual correction, but on October 16 the Bundestag rejected the appeal without debate, with the CDU, CSU, SPD, Greens and Die Linke supporting the penalty.

Only the AfD voted against it. President Julia Klöckner publicly justified the fine, emphasizing the need to punish disrespectful language toward women in parliament. The incident underscores tensions over gender discourse and perceived partisan bias within Germany’s legislative body.