Convictions for the publisher of the magazine which Fr Oko’s article appeared in

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· Professor Fr Manfred Hauke, publisher of the magazine ‘Theologisches’, has received two convictions in connection with publishing an article by Professor Fr Dariusz Oko.

· Legal action against Fr Hauke has been taken by the Pink Cross organisation, which promotes the slogans of the LGBT movement, and by Fr Wolfgang Rothe, an advocate of a rapprochement between the demands of the LGBT lobby and the position of the German episcopate.

· The allegations concern alleged discrimination and incitement to hatred.

· Professor Fr Oko and Fr Johannes Stöhr were sentenced in Germany to a fine of €4,800 for the publication of an article describing the phenomenon of the so-called ‘Lavender Mafia’ i.e. a criminal group operating among the clergy and linked to homosexual practices. The Ordo Iuris Institute has become involved in the defence of Professor Fr Oko.

· You can still sign the petition with an appeal in support of the clergyman, available on the website: bronmyksiedzaoko.pl/en. The petition also concerns Fr Stöhr and Fr Hauke.

SIGN THE PETITION - LINK

Fr Oko was convicted by a German court in July this year. The reason was an alleged ‘incitement to hatred’ in an article written by him. Fr Oko described the activities of the so-called ‘Lavender Mafia’ and the ways in which it exploits minors and seminarians. Fr Johannes Stöhr, editor-in-chief of ‘Theologisches’, was also sentenced. The clergy face 120 days in jail if they fail to pay a fine of €4,800. Professor Fr Oko, with the support of the Ordo Iuris Institute, and Fr Stöhr, represented by a German attorney, have filed a lawsuit. The hearing will take place in February 2022.

Fr Manfred Hauke, the publisher of the magazine and a lecturer at the Faculty of Theology in Lugano, Switzerland, is now also in trouble with the law. The Pink Cross organisation filed a notice in his case, which was followed by an indictment. It concerns an alleged violation of Article 261 of the Swiss Criminal Code, which prohibits discrimination and incitement to hatred on grounds of race, ethnic origin, religion or sexual orientation. This is punishable by imprisonment of up to three years or a fine. Pink Cross is also demanding that the authorities at the University of Lugano investigate whether ‘incitement to hatred’ also occurs against students. 

The second indictment is based on a notice filed by Fr Rothe and concerns German criminal law. In an interview with the website: katch.ch, the clergyman said he hoped that the ‘incident’ of the publication of the scientific article will not remain without consequences - on the state, university or church’s side.