"Decide when your time is up": Güntzel, Vice-President of the Cantonal Council of St. Gallen, rejects the resignation for homophobic statements

In the criticism: The cantonal SVP St.Gallen, Karl Güntzel. (Image: Regina Kühne)

"Güntzel belongs to the stone age and not to the Parliament": the Young Greens fired abruptly in a statement against the cantonal councilor SVP, Karl Güntzel. The trigger of their action: Güntzel caused a scandal on Tuesday at the Cantonal Council. When it came to family and school daycare, Güntzel told the governing council of the gay Democratic Democrat Martin Klöti that he was "a little noisy when Klöti talked about both parents. should talk about what you know and not about what you do not know. "

The 68-year-old has heard booing and allegations that he made a homophobic statement.

"Can accept the excuses"

Karl Güntzel notes that Junge Grünen is now asking for his resignation as a cantonal councilor. Martin Klöti told the cantonal council on Wednesday: "It is good that we commented on this issue and showed how close the border is, even in our liberal society, and I'm glad we overcame that." authorized from the assumption of his excuses, with which the case was made for him, "continues Karl Güntzel.

But he must accept it, if there are people who think that the case of his apology is not over, says Karl Güntzel. However, a resignation is not a problem for him:

"I decide for myself when my mandate in the cantonal council is over – or voters will."

"I understand and regret"

"In my entourage, there are several homosexuals – in which not?", Explains Karl Güntzel on a corresponding question. His controversial statement that he wants to have made in terms of non-childhood Martin Klötis and not for his homosexuality, especially because it was about child care. Güntzel says:

"I understand and regret, however, that my statement may be interpreted differently."

Güntzel had no personal contact with Klöti himself since the incident. He would like to talk to him about what happened. And, if necessary, answer questions from his group.