Germany Reinstates 1930’s Policies

CBS joined German police as they raided a man’s home for sharing a “racist” cartoon online, meanwhile, another 50 such raids took place across the country.

These raids were part of a coordinated effort to curb so-called “hate speech” in Germany.

During an interview with 60 Minutes, the interviewer asked a panel of prosecutors, “Is it a crime to insult people online?” to which they unanimously said, “yes.”

Going further, 60 Minutes asked, “Is someone committing a crime if they repost a lie?” and the prosecutors yet again said, “yes.”

Historical Resemblance

This move by Germany echoes a dangerous past under Germany’s 1930’s regime under Adolph Hitler and the implementation of strict laws that aimed to suppress dissent and control public discourse through hate speech regulations.

A significant legal framework used to target and eliminate “undesirable” speech was the Reichstag Fire Decree (1933) which was issued immediately after the Reichstag fire. This decree suspended civil liberties, including the freedom of speech and assembly, providing a legal basis for the suppression of opposition.

The “suspension of personal liberty, on the right of free expression of opinion, including freedom of the press, on the right of assembly and the right of association, and violations of the privacy of postal, telegraphic, and telephonic communications, warrants for house searches, orders for confiscations, as well as restrictions on property, are also permissible beyond the legal limits otherwise prescribed,” was outlined as part of the actions the Decree enabled the government to take against her citizens.

Additionally, the Nuremberg Laws (1935) made it illegal to publicly support or promote any idea contrary to Nazi racial ideologies, criminalizing speech that could undermine the regime’s principles, such as promoting Jewish rights or criticizing anti-Semitic laws.

The Volksgemeinschaft or “People’s Community” was central to Nazi ideology, and laws surrounding hate speech were used to enforce conformity to this concept.

The Decree Against Malicious Attacks on the State and Party (1934) allowed the Nazi government to punish individuals for verbal or written attacks against the regime, whether in public or private. This eerily sounds families to what the German prosecutors told 60 Minutes!

The Press Law (1933) was another key tool, giving the government full control over the media and ensuring that all publications aligned with Nazi propaganda. This censorship targeted not only foreign news but also internal critiques, allowing the regime to manipulate public opinion while silencing voices of resistance or alternative thought.

These laws worked in tandem to stifle freedom of expression whilst playing a pivotal role in fostering an atmosphere of fear and conformity that helped solidify Hitler’s totalitarian rule.

Conclusion

It is a dangerous place indeed to believe that the government gets to determine what speech is permissible and prohibited.

Today, they may determine that “racist jokes” are illegal but tomorrow? It could very well be the Christian message! This isn’t a dramatic stretch to make either.

What’s end goal of these draconian laws? How far will they be expanded?

During the time of Nazi rule in Germany, Christian pastors who spoke out against the wicked dictates of Hitler’s regime, such as Dietrich Bonhoeffer, weren’t just fined and jailed but many were sent to concentration camps or murdered.

Regardless of what governments try to do to limit the freedoms which are inalienable, meaning they are given to us by God and meant to be not only recognized but protected by government, we are called to continually share the Gospel and to expose the wicked deeds of darkness.

Yes, we are also called to “submit to the governing authorities” as seen in Romans 13 but this does not mean we are to disobey God in obeying an earthly government.

Are our allegiances to God or man?

Thank you for your support.

If you appreciate the work we do to spread the good news of Jesus Christ, please consider giving a gift to help us continue this work. Maranatha!