Utpressing av homofile før fjerningen av "homoparagrafen" i 1972

Abstract

Abstract This thesis intends to look into the development of views on homosexuality in light of extortion cases against homosexuals, with the following research question: "How did legal protection of homosexuals and the view on homosexuality change towards the legalization of homosexuality in 1972, in light of extortion cases against homosexuals?"The legalization in 1972 strongly suggests there was a change in views on homosexuality. The most interesting part here is whether the legal protection of homosexuals changes ahead of the legalization of homosexuality, as well as whether society’s views change in a similar way.

The source material consists mainly of legal documents, reports and newspaper articles. These are mainly used to present the various extortion cases. Parliamentary proceedings, magazine articles, and other sources that provide insight into the social perception at the time, are also utilized. The analysis consists of a presentation of the extortion cases before placing them in a broader social context in order to understand how the cases contributed in shaping the present. Finally, these three periods are compared as to whether there is continuity in treatment or a break.

The intent of this thesis is to provide insight into how marginalized groups who lack rights might become victims of crime and exploitation, especially marginalized groups who lack legal protection. The lack of legal protection might come from both the lack of protection laws and as a result of homosexuals who experience extortion being afraid of society and law enforcement’s reaction when seeking help.

The findings in this master's thesis indicate that the way homosexuals experienced that society would react to their homosexuality, was a large part of their legal protection. There were reports stating that the fear of society finding out about a person’s homosexuality prevented them from reporting their extortionists. After all, many paid large sums of money to protect this secret, and by going to the police they risked being the one who shared it themselves. The fear of the social consequences was present throughout the entire time period, and an essential part of what enabled the existence of blackmail.