Thus the struggle revolved at the outset chiefly around the need of the organized, German homophile minority to set about a common goal with all determination. Here was the right born with the individual to seek redress of his grievances and yet here was a minority which, because of the manifestation of sensual love between grown men was denied redress of its most painful grievances because of laws proceeding from false assumptions, placed under legal prohibition.

Here all respect for freedom of the individual was again and again trod under foot, and this in an intimate sphere which, like no other in the dominant society, consists of individuals who belong to each other. Here violations committed against humanity went unchallenged by the social conscience or the power of the State. Here voices of important men of the people, the voices of reason, tolerance and humanity went blithely unheard.

After the gruesome murders committed upon homophiles during the era of the late Dictator, it has now become intolerable longer to suffer banishment to prison and exposure to disgrace of men who have done nothing but that which is the commandment of their nature. It is impossible that we can remain silent any longer when these individuals, whose number in West Germany alone runs into the millions, are denied the right to live upright lives because of a narrow and obscurantist morality.

We demand therefore:

Forward with paragraphs 175 and 175a of the German penal code (by recognition of the protection of German adolescents)! Rehabilitation of all who have violated this law!

We advance, further:

Elucidation of the public intentions in the approach of the new medico-psychological and philosophical anthropology!

Advancement of every kind of scientific work and publicity which concerns itself with the battle against proscription of the right of the homophile minority!

In order for male and female homophiles to stand personally united, the International Order of Friendship was founded. With a continuously increasing membership it will expand chiefly in the larger cities, and in each chapter its members will offer good fellowship, conversation, lodging, cultural programs and the opportunity for exchange of ideas.

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