- A Cleric from Bremer is currently facing charges for incitement.
Pastor Olaf Latzel of Bremen is back in the Regional Court's spotlight. His trial for incitement commences today (10:00 AM) at the Bremen Regional Court, following the Hanseatic Higher Regional Court's decision to revisit a May 2022 verdict.
Pastor Latzel, head of St. Martini congregation in Bremen, found himself in hot water after comments made during an October 2019 marriage seminar resurfaced. He is accused of making offensive remarks about individuals identifying as homosexual. Apologetic later for his remarks, they were shared widely on the internet as an audio file.
The District Court of Bremen fined Latzel 8,100 euros for incitement in November 2020, but the Regional Court vindicated him during an appeal trial. They concluded he hadn't incited hatred, and his words were protected by freedom of religion and expression.
However, the Hanseatic Higher Regional Court took a different stance, dismissing the initial verdict in February 2023. The court opined the verdict was too succinct, and freedom of religion ceases to exist when human dignity is jeopardized.
New proceedings have commenced: Witnesses will testify anew, and evidence will be reevaluated. A judgment could be handed down by mid-September.
During the trial, Pastor Latzel's church, St. Martini congregation in Bremen, may be mentioned as a relevant context. After the Hanseatic Higher Regional Court's decision, Pastor Latzel will likely need to address his past comments related to individuals identifying as homosexual within the Church's community.
