After a year-long legal dispute over the approval of a tattoo with the letters “Aloha” for a Bavarian police officer, an out-of-court settlement has been reached. The officer had received proper clearance, a spokeswoman for the Bavarian Interior Ministry confirmed in a report by the magazine Der Spiegel on Friday. The man was taken before the Federal Administrative and Federal Constitutional Court, but a final decision was still pending.
According to the Interior Ministry, the police officer was given permission “for the specific individual case” and on the condition “that the tattoo is suitably covered while on duty and is therefore not visible”. The regulations for tattooing Bavarian police officers are currently being “updated in process”.
Effects still unclear
The lawsuit has been going on for years. The official went through the cases to the Federal Administrative Court, which initially upheld the ban. On the other hand, the man partially successfully defended himself before the Federal Constitutional Court, which saw that his fundamental right had been violated by the judgment of the Federal Administrative Court and obliged it to hold a new hearing. A new decision has not yet been taken.
It was initially unclear what effect the permit would have on ongoing proceedings before the Federal Administrative Court. A spokeswoman for the court said Friday that it is still too early for such a ruling. The Ministry of the Interior was initially unable to provide any information.
In 2013, the police commissioner wanted the Hawaiian inscription “Aloha” tattooed because it reminded him of his honeymoon and was a commitment to peaceful coexistence. However, the police headquarters in Middle Franconia rejected this. The police then went to court.
According to “Spiegel”, the police headquarters in Middle Franconia gave the official permission by notification. Accordingly, the letter said the background to the decision was a “change in administrative practice in dealing with tattoos.”
(AFP)