The free and democratic basic order essentially includes the right to freedom of expression and the right to assemble peacefully and without weapons in the open air.
Art 8 Basic Law (GG)
(1) All Germans have the right to assemble peacefully and without weapons without registration or permission.
(2) For assemblies in the open air, this right may be restricted by law or on the basis of a law.
According to prevailing opinion, an assembly within the meaning of Article 8 of the Basic Law exists if at least 2 persons come together for a joint discussion or demonstration aimed at participating in the formation of public opinion.
Popular festivals and entertainment events as well as events that merely serve to display an attitude to life therefore do not fall under the definition of an assembly.
In North Rhine-Westphalia, the Federal Assembly Act (VersG) applies to public assemblies. According to Section 18 in conjunction with Section 7 VersG, every public assembly must have a leader. In principle, a public assembly in the open air must be registered with the competent assembly authority at least 48 hours prior to the announcement, stating the subject of the assembly or procession. In North Rhine-Westphalia, the district police authorities are the assembly authorities.
The police will advise you as the registrant on the details of the assembly. In the event of ambiguities or more extensive planning requirements, you will be invited by the police to a cooperation meeting in which ambiguities can be clarified together and any problems solved.
Depending on the type and scope of your assembly, you must also expect to be subject to conditions, such as the provision of stewards to ensure order within the assembly. The assembly can also be banned or dissolved if, according to the circumstances, public safety or order is directly endangered during the assembly