nl_e17

Report of the Meeting
paedophiles. A new law forbids "grooming", whatever it exactly may be, so even speaking with
a child can result in severe punishments.
From the south of Europe was told
that the climate there remains more liberal and not as conservative and right-wing as in
Northern Europe. People in the south have more relaxed attitudes and follow their gutfeelings,
being less rationalistic. Strange laws were not seen in the south. There were ‘scandals’
in Portugal and child porn raids in Italy.
As has been described in the previous Newsletter, the Danish group DPA has folded. A new
group has arisen like a Phoenix and replaced the web site, but we do not know more about the
situation in Denmark. A lot of other countries have no groups or organization at all.
Purposes, plans & questions
Most members present were mostly there to meet the others in person and to learn about their
well-being or problems. Within Ipce, most communication takes place by electronic means, but
it is good to meet the person at least once a year. While describing their motivation for
attending this meeting, several members referred to our meeting in Berlin, 2001, which is said
to have been very inspiring and encouraging. Also Copenhagen, 2003, was mentioned as such,
while Rotterdam, 2002, was felt as more or less dull. People hoped for inspiration and
encouragement.
Plans were to continue and to try out new kinds of action. Questions were about strategy and
ways to activate and organize people.
Self-help and other groups clearly have had, and will have to face problems like infiltration
(Germany, earlier NAMBLA), false testimonies (the Netherlands), difficult laws and prejudiced
journalists - and so on. How to prevent these?
Strategy
Two different ways were mentioned, in addition to a general rule.
In a group like the NAMBLA Steering Committee, the leaders have responsibility for the safety
of its general membership. Within such groups, one Steering Committee member must know
another very well. To know a lot about one another may prevent infiltration with a false
identity.
In the case of other groups, such as chat groups on the internet, the use of anonymity and
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