1930: Congress for Sexual Reform in Vienna

The reform of sex life and sexual morality represented an important theme for many organisations in the interwar period. The goal of these groups was the adaptation of the sexual criminal law, the overcoming of “traditional” morality, and a healthy and hygienic sex life. Out of the unification of many of these groups emerged the World League for Sexual Reform (Weltliga für Sexualreform) in 1928. This association organised multiple academic congresses about sexual reform, the fourth one taking place in Vienna from September 16-23, 1930 under the motto Sexual Need and Sexual Reform. With over 2000 participants, this was by the far the largest congress. The program included approximately 80 theoretical lectures and case studies from consulting practices as well as a section of exhibitions. The Austrian public’s perception of the congress could hardly have been more divisive. As numerous social democrat politicians – above all Adelheid Popp as a proponent of abortion rights – actively participated, the conservative press disparaged the conference subject matter as “moral bolshevism”.