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Today in History: Nazi deputies beat reporter revealing senior's homosexuality

5/12/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On 12 May 1932, after journalist Helmuth Klotz exposed Ernst Röhm’s homosexuality in the Reichstag, Nazi deputies violently attacked him inside the parliamentary chamber. The assault highlighted the Röhm scandal’s impact, marking the first public outing of a senior gay politician in modern Europe and underscoring the regime’s intolerance.

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Story summary

On 12 May 1932, after journalist Helmuth Klotz exposed Ernst Röhm’s homosexuality in the Reichstag, Nazi deputies violently attacked him inside the parliamentary chamber. The assault highlighted the Röhm scandal’s impact, marking the first public outing of a senior gay politician in modern Europe and underscoring the regime’s intolerance.