Paragraph 183

Paragraph 183 (known formally as §183 StGB; also known as Section 183 in English) is a public indecency law of the German Criminal Code, which prohibits "sexual self-determination" and public exhibitionism. From its adoption in 1871, at an increasing rate during the rise of the Nazis, and until as late as the mid-20th century, the law was used to enforce penalties (including imprisonment, and, at times, loss of civil rights) for cross-dressing and homosexual acts. As of 2021, the law's scope is limited to indecent exposure.