Karen-Christine Friele (Kim Firele) took over the work as information-leader, after having been chairman of the board for 2 years. She concentrated on the information work only and in the long run that was proven to be the right politics, in Norway anyway.

Work was carried out in every possible way partly in cooperation with different organizations and individuals, to enlighten the public on the subject of homosexuality, and to obviate misunderstandings wherever they cropped up. By means of articles in the press (the press representing all political views and geographical parts of the country) lectures (to student organizations, different kind of other organizations, schools, social workers, doctors, priests, parents, nurses, discussions with representatives from the church, political organizations,) "Det Norske Forbundet av 1948" broke away from isolation, and managed to demolish many of the barriers which for so long had existed between society and homosexuals. The continuous work being done, to give the public an objective knowledge of homosexuality, as well as an opportunity to get to know the homosexuals in person, led to a marked change in the attitude.

In November 1970 DNF published the booklet "§213: An Evil or A Necessity?" Norwegian as well as foreign sources in medicine, religion, psychiatry, law etc., contributed to the booklet. In December 1970 a Governmental decision was made: The Penal Clause of 1902 would be abolished.

The Norwegian Parliament (Storting) discussed $213 in June 1971. A draft law, which intended to abolish the existing penal provision concerning homosexuality, was presented in September 1971.

The information work was intensified and included a translation of the Dutch Speijer-Report. By the end of 1971 no one could feel quite sure however that all political parties would urge the draft law. The Penal Clause of 1902 would no doubt disappear into history but would perhaps another "liberal" homosexual Penal Clause take its place? That was yet to be seen.

Lectures were given to several thousand students and all sorts of groups in 1971. The draft law was urged by Scandinavian as well as Dutch and German specialists. Most of the Norwegian press also supported the homosexuals in their demand for legal rights.

30 articles had been published by DNF in the press during 1971. A great number of interviews and 5 radio-programs were broadcast. Material was prepared for Parliament Members and for the Committee of Justice. Kim Friele talked to the Committee of Justice after having received a special invitation. Ministers, politicians, students and teachers participated in discussion-meetings arranged by DNF.

In February 1972 the Committee of Justice urged the abolition of $213, and in March Odelstinget (representing 2/3 of the Parliament) did the same.

The 14th April 1972 Norway became the first of the Scandinavian countries the second in Europe — to abolish its Homosexual Penal Clause, and do away with legal

discrimination of homosexuals.

From the Health Department the organization received 10,000 Norwegian kroner for the publishing of the brochure "Homofili." 10,000 copies are now being distributed to all Norwegian primary and high-schools, as well as to different institutions of education and to "the man in the street."

The abolition of §213, and the financial support given by the Health Department, very clearly shows the change in attitude towards homosexuality, which has taken place in Norway over the past few years.

"Det Norske Forbundet av 1948" is an organization of 2000 members today of which some are heterosexuals. Membership is open to everybody who agrees in the policy of the DNF. The members meet several times a week for different kinds of activities. DNF has managed to keep the organization a club, in which means that the contact between the members and the Board is very close. Member-meetings once a month give each homosexual a chance to influence the work being done and has contributed largely to the socalled "selfacceptance," which is so important. DNF has suborganizations in Bergen, Trondheim, and Tromso and this is only the beginning.

About 1⁄2 million kroner goes "in and out" at Forbundet every year now, and has made it possible for DNF to have a General Secretary on full time job. The former information leader, Kim Friele, has taken over as General Secretary May 15th, 1971.

FOR THEIR PUBLIC RELATIONS TASKS

1. Information through the press, magazines, radio, organizations, institutions, schools, individuals etc., will be extended. "DNF 48 A Presentation" a brochure telling about the work, activities, offers etc., will be published in 1972.

Lectures

Further initiative will be taken to give the public greater knowledge about homosexuality. DNF has made contact with the Norwegian Housewives Association. Such contact is of vital importance, as the attitude towards homosexuality begins at home.

Schools

The brochure "Homosexuality" will bring to the pupils. objective information about homosexuality. As it is today, homosexuality is barely mentioned at all, and at least not in an impartial way as schoolbooks dealing with the matter are far from up to date.

Lectures have been given to the students of the Norwegian School of Journalism. Future contact will be made to see to it that permanent lectures are given.

Nansen-skolen is a school where subjects of humanistic and social character play the main part in the education. Contact has been made.

Schools educating social workers.

The students will go to work in hospitals, factories, social institutions, offices etc. DNF has managed to build up good cooperation with such schools in Oslo, Trondheim and Stavanger. Lectures have been given, and groups of students in all 3 cities have for the past 4 years written a test paper on homosexuality. This cooperation will continue.

II. Counseling service.

DNF has its own counseling staff. The members of The Committee of Justice have stressed the request for social, medical and practical advice by asking the Ministry of Social Affairs to try to find ways to meet this need. The Committee has urged the Ministry of Social Affairs to appoint an inter-departmental committee, which together with the General Secretary of DNF can look into the whole problem of the public attitude towards homosexuality, as well as look into information-material still used in schools. DNF will have its first meeting with the chairman of the Social Committee some time in October 1972.