The film argued that sexual freedom was not only a personal right but also beneficial to society as a whole. It was highly controversial upon release, often receiving an 18+ rating
On May 9, 1969, the West German parliament (Bundestag) voted to decriminalize homosexuality partially (paragraph 175, still retaining age-of-consent disparity). On June 22, 1969, the underground magazine agit 883 published a cover reading “Freiheit für die Liebe.” By autumn, the mass-circulation Stern (circulation ~1.8 million) had run a glossy, photo-illustrated series under the same title, featuring nudity, sexual advice, and critiques of marriage. “Freiheit für die Liebe” thus moved from radical fringe to mainstream liberal conversation. freiheit fur die liebe germany 1969 exclusive