This week Germany rescinded about 50,000 convictions for homosexual behavior that occurred between 1949 and 1969.
The law in question was actually repealed in 1994, but those convictions were never taken off the books, so this move marks a step toward demonstrating the country’s acceptance of sexual orientation.
Rebecca Cruise, the assistant dean of the University of Oklahoma’s College of International Studies, says timing becomes an issue 50-70 years later.
“They're wanting to get this law into place so that these men can be legally rehabilitated and perhaps be eligible for some sort of financial compensation,” Cruise said. “But obviously they're aging, and they want to make sure they can do this so that most of them can receive this compensation.”
Germany has recognized civil unions since 2001, but they still haven’t legalized gay marriage. The attitude around the original law stems from how Nazis treated homosexuals during the Second World War, and Cruise says there are memorials throughout Germany that atone for that.
“This does seem kind of late to the game,” Cruise said.
KGOU and World Views rely on voluntary contributions from readers and listeners to further its mission of public service with internationally focused reporting for Oklahoma and beyond. To contribute to our efforts, make your donation online, or contact our Membership department.
