Human Rights Ruling: German Incest Ban Upheld by European Court
The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) on Thursday upheld a German high court ruling that banning incest between siblings does not violate the fundamental right to “respect for private and family life,” as guaranteed in the European Convention on Human Rights. The verdict strikes down a claim to the contrary by Patrick S., from Leipzig, who had been convicted of incest by German courts for having sexual relations with his biological sister.
The seven justices ruled unanimously. The court found that, while Patrick S.’s family life was indeed violated by his conviction in Germany of incest, the German ruling was “aimed at the protection of morals and the rights of others” and was thus permissible. The ruling may still be appealed in hopes of a Grand Chamber hearing at the ECHR, the decision of which would then be final.