How Germany’s LGBTQ+ laws evolved from Nazi persecution to marriage equality

A century of struggle and progress shaped Germany’s path to LGBTQ+ equality. The fight for justice reveals how laws—and lives—were forever changed.

, and Administrator

2025 November 22 . 8:51 PM

1 min read

In this picture we can see a close view of the identity card. In the front we can see american flag... — In this picture we can see a close view of the identity card. In the front we can see american flag and "Critical Licence" written.

How Germany’s LGBTQ+ laws evolved from Nazi persecution to marriage equality

Germany’s journey toward LGBTQ+ equality has seen major legal shifts over the past century. From the harsh persecution of gay men under Nazi rule to the full legalisation of same-sex marriage in 2017, the country’s laws have evolved significantly. Early reforms in the 1960s and 1970s paved the way for later progress, including civil partnerships and, eventually, marriage rights.

The criminalisation of homosexuality in Germany began with Paragraph 175 in 1871. This law targeted sexual acts between men and remained in force for over a century. Under the Nazi regime, enforcement became brutal, leading to the imprisonment, torture, and murder of thousands of gay men. Lesbians also faced discrimination, though they were not systematically targeted by the same law.

Paragraph 175 was fully repealed only in 1994, marking the end of a long era of discrimination. Today, same-sex couples in Germany enjoy the same legal rights as heterosexual couples. The shift from persecution to equality reflects decades of activism and legislative change.