Nazi LGBTQ+ Persecution in Occupied Norway: Insights from Camilla Maartmann’s Research

LGBTQ+ Persecution Under Nazi Germany in Occupied Norway: Insights from Camilla Maartmann’s Research

During World War II, Nazi Germany implemented harsh legal measures to persecute homosexual men, extending their enforcement beyond Germany’s borders into occupied territories such as Norway. Central to this repression was Paragraph 175 of the German Penal Code, which criminalized male homosexual acts. The application of this law during the German occupation of Norway led to the arrest, imprisonment, and social ostracization of many men, including Norwegian nationals. This article examines the intersection of Nazi legal policies, local conditions, and recent scholarly research that illuminates this dark chapter of queer history.

The Legal Framework of Anti-Homosexual Persecution

Paragraph 175 of the German Criminal Code was rigorously enforced throughout the Nazi era, representing a cornerstone of anti-homosexual legislation designed to suppress LGBTQ+ identities. Under this provision, male homosexual acts were punishable by imprisonment and, in many cases, internment in concentration camps. Additionally, Paragraph 213, addressing other sexual offenses, was sometimes invoked to broaden the scope of legal repression.

In occupied Norway, these German laws imposed significantly more severe penalties compared to Norwegian legislation of the time. Norwegian men who engaged in homosexual relations, particularly with German soldiers stationed there, were subjected to stricter enforcement by German authorities. This legal discrimination not only resulted in imprisonment but also carried immense social stigma, including loss of employment and broader ostracization within society.

The Role of Grini Concentration Camp and Historical Documentation

Grini concentration camp, located near Oslo, became a primary site of detention for many individuals persecuted under these laws. The Grini Museum today preserves extensive archives, including prison records and official documentation, which provide critical evidence of the scale and nature of persecution faced by homosexual men during the occupation.

Contributions of Camilla Maartmann’s Research

Historian Camilla Maartmann has played a pivotal role in uncovering and analyzing these archival materials. Her meticulous research has revealed that the number of arrests and prosecutions under Paragraph 175 in Norway was significantly higher than previously recognized by historians. By examining prison files and legal documents from institutions like the Grini Museum, Maartmann offers a detailed account of the legal and social repression endured by gay men during this period.

Her work not only broadens our understanding of the Nazi regime’s imposition of anti-homosexual policies beyond Germany but also sheds light on the intersection between Nazi legal mandates and local social conditions in Norway. The research highlights how the enforcement of this legislation exacerbated social stigma and victimization within already marginalized LGBTQ+ communities during the war.

Broader Implications for Queer History and Memory

The persecution of homosexual men under Nazi occupation reflects the regime’s broader agenda to control and suppress diverse sexual identities. The enforcement of Paragraph 175 constituted both a legal and social mechanism of repression, leaving deep scars that resonate through queer history. Through scholarship like Maartmann’s, there is growing recognition of these historical injustices, contributing to remembrance and education about the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals during World War II.

Conclusion

The rigorous enforcement of Nazi anti-homosexual laws in occupied Norway reveals a grim reality of legal discrimination and social stigma faced by LGBTQ+ individuals under German occupation. The work of historians such as Camilla Maartmann, grounded in archival research at venues like the Grini Museum, uncovers the extent of these persecutions and enriches our collective understanding of wartime repression. This knowledge remains vital as societies continue to confront and reflect upon past injustices against marginalized groups in queer history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Norwegian men arrested for homosexuality during WWII

A: During World War II, Norway was under German occupation, and the regime, including Norwegian authorities, enforced laws against homosexuality. Norwegian men arrested for homosexuality faced persecution, imprisonment, and in some cases, were sent to concentration camps. Homosexuality was criminalized under Norwegian law at the time, and these men suffered severe social stigma and legal consequences. It was not until decades later that Norway acknowledged this injustice and issued official apologies to those affected.

Q: German law on homosexuality in World War II

A: During World War II, Nazi Germany strictly enforced Paragraph 175 of the German Criminal Code, which criminalized male homosexuality. The regime intensified persecution, leading to the arrest and imprisonment of tens of thousands of gay men, many of whom were sent to concentration camps where they faced brutal treatment. Lesbianism was less heavily targeted legally but was still stigmatized. This period marked one of the most severe eras of legal and social repression against homosexuals in German history.

Q: Paragraph 175 German criminal code

A: Paragraph 175 of the German Criminal Code was a law that criminalized homosexual acts between men. Established in 1871, it was used to prosecute male homosexuality and was subject to various amendments over time. The law was partially liberalized in West Germany in the late 20th century and was eventually abolished in 1994 after German reunification, reflecting changing societal attitudes toward LGBTQ+ rights.

Q: Grini prison camp history

A: Grini prison camp, located near Oslo, Norway, was originally a Nazi concentration camp established during World War II. It was used by the German occupying forces from 1941 to 1945 to detain Norwegian political prisoners, resistance members, and other detainees. The camp became one of the largest and most notorious in Norway, known for harsh conditions and forced labor. After the war, Grini was used briefly to hold Nazi collaborators before being converted to other uses.

Q: Persecution of homosexuals in Nazi Germany

A: In Nazi Germany, homosexuals, particularly gay men, faced severe persecution as part of the regime's efforts to enforce conservative social norms and Aryan racial policies. The Nazis considered homosexuality a threat to their goals of population growth and social conformity. Thousands were arrested, imprisoned, and sent to concentration camps, where they were subjected to brutal treatment, forced labor, and often death. This persecution was state-sponsored and fueled by laws such as Paragraph 175, which criminalized homosexual acts between men.

Key Entities

Lauritz: Lauritz is a Danish online auction platform specializing in fine art, antiques, and design objects. It provides a venue for buying and selling valuable collectibles, attracting both private collectors and professional dealers.

Camilla Maartmann: Camilla Maartmann was a Norwegian businesswoman and art collector known for her involvement in cultural and historical preservation. She is noted for her role in supporting Norwegian art and heritage.

Grini prison camp: Grini prison camp was a Nazi concentration camp in Norway during World War II, primarily used to detain political prisoners and members of the resistance. It is a significant historical site for understanding the occupation of Norway and the experiences of prisoners under German control.

Gustav Schreiber: Gustav Schreiber was an art historian and collector active in the early 20th century, known for his contributions to documenting and preserving European art. His work has been referenced in studies of Norwegian art collections.

Norwegian Center for Holocaust and Minority Studies: The Norwegian Center for Holocaust and Minority Studies conducts research and education on the Holocaust and minority issues in Norway. It serves as a key institution for documenting historical injustices and promoting tolerance and human rights.

External articles

• Norway apologises to women punished for relationships ...
• Norway Apologizes, 70 Years Later, to Women Who Had ...
• World War II: 63 men were punished for intimate relations ...

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YouTube Video

Title: "I Wrote Him a Love Letter. The Nazis Found It." | Gay Life Under Nazi Occupation
Channel: USC Shoah Foundation
URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYqB16P1fB0
Published: 4 months ago