The Berlin Experiment of Helmut Kentler, or Legalized Pedophilia in Germany
In 1969, a long-term experiment began in West Berlin that left a stain on the history of pedagogy. The researcher behind this was educator and psychologist Helmut Kentler, who believed that sexual relations between children and guardians were normal. Dozens of homeless children were placed for adoption with individuals who had criminal records for abusing minors.
During the 1960s, Western countries, including West Germany, experienced a 'sexual revolution'. Authorities went to great lengths—legalizing homosexuality and seriously discussing decriminalizing pedophilia.
Two parties—the Green Party and the Free Democratic Party (FDP)—demanded the repeal of laws criminalizing relationships between adults and minors aged 14 and older. “Many thought: ‘We’re showing how open-minded we are, how we’ve overcome Nazism and embraced the sexual revolution,’” later said Eva Quistorp, Green Party founder.
Kentler taught at Hanover University for 20 years and from 1966 to 1974 was a leading expert at the Berlin Pedagogical Center, dealing with social issues, including homeless children. Today, in most countries, Kentler would be jailed, but in the 1960s he was influential, openly preaching about the unnatural love of adolescents.
He claimed pedophilia, if not violent, was natural and not a crime or deviation. He believed pedophiles form emotional bonds with children and would be attentive and kind. Kentler often served as an expert in court cases involving pedophiles; he was proud that none of the 30 cases he handled resulted in a conviction.
Kentler did not hide his homosexuality or pedophilia. In 1969, at the height of the sexual revolution, he launched his horrific experiment with Berlin authorities' approval. Today, it remains shrouded in silence, making the number of participants unknown; only three foster fathers and a few boys are publicly known.
The guardians received special benefits from Berlin authorities. Kentler stated that boys aged 13 to 17, with no parents or stable homes, were placed in these “care” arrangements. Most were illiterate, some had chronic illnesses or intellectual disabilities. Kentler personally supervised these “families,” ensuring contacts occurred without violence.
He published a full report on his experiment only in the late 1980s, claiming it was successful—every participant gained independence and became respectable. He emphasized that none of the teenagers became homosexual. In a report to the Berlin Senate, Kentler wrote: “It was clear they did so much for ‘their boys’ mainly because they had sexual relations.” Today, this horrifying conclusion is displayed in the Berlin Museumof Homosexuality as a grim exhibit.
Kentler’s experiment was both morally and legally criminal. The public only learned details in 2015, seven years after his death. Until 1994, Germany prohibited homosexual contacts under 18.
In 2016, Theresa Nentwig of the Institute for Democracy Research in Göttingen examined Kentler’s experiment at the Berlin Senate’s request. Her findings were grim: Kentler knew about the sexual contacts, which were well known to the Senate and social services.
Nentwig faced difficulties—many former wards, now adults with families, refused to share their memories. Authorities also tried to prevent the scandal from surfacing. Nevertheless, she spoke with two foster sons, Marco and Sven, who revealed their “fathers” abused them regularly. Adopted in 1989 by Fritz H., they initially felt grateful—living in a spacious apartment with a computer. But the idyllic life ended when Fritz H. began beating and abusing them. Their stories disprove Kentler’s optimistic reports—they received no education, worked low-paid jobs, and suffered trauma.
In 2017, the former wards told Der Spiegel about their tragic stories. Over 30 years, Fritz H. abused five boys; he died in 2015, making accountability impossible. Strangely, Kentler’s reputation within the German scientific community remained intact.
