The Swiss city of Bern is encouraging citizens to anonymously report one another for alleged “sexism” and “queer hostility” in public spaces—including at Christmas markets—according to figures released by city authorities.
Over the past two and a half years, more than 1,100 reports have been filed through an online denunciation portal run by the city. The system allows users to anonymously report behaviour classified as sexist, “queer-hostile,” or harassing, even when no criminal offence has occurred.
The platform, accessible via the city’s website and QR codes displayed in public spaces, advises users if a reported incident might be legally relevant, while also directing them to police and counselling services. In its first year of operation, around 750 reports were submitted. A further 18 months brought the total close to 1,100.
Despite a decline in the number of reports, city officials have not interpreted this as a reduction in such incidents. Christoph Gostelli of the city-backed initiative Bern schaut hin (“Bern is watching”) told Swiss media that the lower reporting rate indicates the need to further promote the tool.
The reporting system is supported by a broad poster campaign across the city. One poster depicts a group at a mulled wine stand mocking a “non-binary person,” accompanied by the slogan “Geht auch dich etwas an” (“This concerns you too”). Passers-by are invited to scan a QR code and submit reports on the spot.
Critics have accused the city of promoting state-sanctioned denunciation of everyday behaviour rather than addressing serious wrongdoing.
According to the city’s own assessment, most reports concern verbal remarks. Others involve complaints about unwanted touching or staring. The majority of reported incidents are said to occur on public streets or on public transport.
