Legal certainty for non-profit youth organisations and rings

Youth organisations and their associations express and represent the concerns and interests of young people (see Section 12 SGB VIII). The representation of these interests of young people by youth associations and youth organisations is recognised by law, but at the same time there is a certain tension with the sometimes unclear regulations of non-profit law. According to the current legal situation, political activity is regulated too vaguely in non-profit law, so that there are residual uncertainties in practice. However, legally secure political activity is indispensable for the effective representation of interests.

Especially in times of growing right-wing extremism, democratic civil society, which fills democracy with life on a daily basis and defends it against right-wing extremists, must be strengthened. The work of youth associations and organisations must be given comprehensive legal protection against the background of non-profit law. This requires a legal clarification that influencing the formation of political opinion is harmless for non-profit organisations within the framework of the recognised statutory purposes. Such statements on current political events must also be harmless for non-profit organisations. Commitment to democracy, the rule of law and human dignity must also always be possible for non-profit organisations. With this in mind, a reform of charitable purposes in accordance with Section 52 (2) of the German Fiscal Code (AO) is needed, including youth organisations and the broad democratic civil society.

Resolved unanimously without abstentions in the main committee on 17 September 2025 in Berlin.