According to Deutsche Welle, German industrial metallers RAMMSTEIN have filed a lawsuit against Germany for having temporarily indexed their 2009 album “Liebe Ist Für Alle Da” (English-language translation: “There’s Enough Love For Everyone”).
The German government’s Federal Department For Media Harmful To Young Persons (Bundesprüfstelle Für Jugendgefährdende Medien, a.k.a. the BPjM) is tasked with identifying all types of media, from literature and films to video games and web sites, that may be considered harmful to young people, and, if so, placing them on a list commonly known as the “index.” According to the BPjM, “Distributors of that medium are then no longer permitted to sell, rent out, present it in public or broadcast it.” Advertising is also forbidden, with violations punishable under German law.
“Liebe Ist Für Alle Da” made the BPjM’s list seven years ago after it was determined that one of the songs of the album, “Ich Tu Dir Weh” (English-language translation: “I’ll Hurt You”), as well as a picture in the album booklet showing a seated man about to hit a naked woman, promoted unsafe sex and portrayed sexuality and power in a sadomasochistic manner. The Federal Office objected to the fact that the track included lines such as “Bites, kicks, heavy blows, nails, pincers, blunt saws — tell me what you want.”
