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Justice Minister Backs Criminalizing Secret Intimate photography After Public Outcry
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Support for criminalizing the secret photographing or filming of intimate body parts has surged in recent weeks, gaining backing from public figures including author Tara-Louise Wittwer, climate activist Luisa Neubauer, and now, Justice Minister Marco Buschmann.
Minister Buschmann Calls for criminal Liability
Justice Minister Buschmann voiced his strong support for concerns raised by activist Yanni Gentsch, stating, Our legal system must draw a clear line when body parts are secretly filmed or photographed with sexual intent or against a person’s will.
He emphasized the need to protect individuals from this form of violation.
the Minister indicated that North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) will formally bring the issue before the criminal law committee of the Justice Ministers’ Conference for discussion on Monday.
sexualized Harassment is Never Harmless
Yanni Gentsch, who brought the issue to public attention following an incident in February, powerfully articulated the broader implications of such actions. What happened in February wasn’t just an assault,
Gentsch explained at a press conference with the Minister of Justice. It was a symptom of deeply-rooted patriarchal structures in which women’s bodies are misused for objectification.
She continued, Sexualized harassment is never harmless. It is indeed not an isolated incident, but the first step in a spiral of violence that, in its most extreme form, ends with violence against women.
“My case showed: A woman can experience an attack – and yet she is so ofen left without legal recourse.”
Yanni Gentsch
Gentsch further expressed her frustration with the current legal framework, stating, This is and remains incomprehensible to me – and for many other affected people, it is everyday life.
She argued that the legal gap must be closed so that our criminal law protects victims and not perpetrators.
Understanding the Legal Landscape
Currently, German law lacks specific provisions criminalizing the act of secretly photographing or filming intimate body parts, even without explicit sexual intent. This loophole has left many victims without legal protection and has fueled calls for legislative reform. Experts suggest that closing this gap would align German law with international standards and provide greater protection for individuals’ privacy and dignity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current legal status of secretly filming someone?
Currently, German law doesn’t explicitly criminalize secretly filming intimate body parts, creating a legal loophole for perpetrators.
