Germany makes ‘upskirting’ a punishable crime
Article Link: https://www.dw.com/en/germany-makes-upskirting-a-punishable-crime/a-54037371
Discussion posted by: Arye ben-Shaoul
German lawmakers on Friday approved harsher penalties for those who film or photograph a woman’s neckline or under her skirt without consent. Under the legislation passed by the Bundestag lower house, the crime will be punishable by a fine or a prison sentence of up to two years. “To photograph a woman under her skirt or her bustline, is a shameless violation of her privacy,” said Justice Minister Christine Lambrecht, adding that such photos and videos also violate rights to sexual self-determination. ‘Upskirting’ — the practice of secretly taking pictures or footage between a person’s legs — has previously not been covered by German criminal law in most cases. Unsolicited pictures or videos of the bust and genital areas have only been punished as an administrative offense met with small fines.
