Engraved in bronze is a man sowing seeds at the Julius Ofner Statue. We are here to remember Julius Ofner. The Julius Ofner Statue stands as a tribute to an extraordinary man. It is located at the intersection of Taborstrasse and Glockengasse.
This monument honors Julius Ofner, an Austrian lawyer and politician. He was born in 1845 and died in 1924. Ofner significantly shaped Austrian social legislation. He fought for women’s rights and reforms in criminal law.
The Julius Ofner Statue was commissioned by the Dr. Julius Ofner Denkmalkomitee. Carl Wollek created it. The statue was unveiled on July 9, 1932. It features a three-meter-high granite base. A bronze figure of a sower stands on top.
However, the story of the Julius Ofner Statue is not without its dark chapter. In 1943, the Nazis removed it. It survived the war hidden in the Old Town Hall. In 1948, it was provisionally re-erected. The final re-installation took place on June 3, 1954. The Julius Ofner Statue was returned to its original location.
Julius Ofner was deeply involved in amending the General Civil Code. He contributed to the development of labor law. His work included banning child labor. It also put Sunday rest regulations in place. He advocated for women’s access to certain professions. Ofner championed welfare for released prisoners. He also worked on reforming the penal code. These reforms were unofficially called Lex Ofner.
Ofner was a member of the Lower Austrian Diet from 1896. From 1901 to 1918, he was a member of the Reichsrat. In 1913, Ofner was appointed to the Austrian Supreme Court. In 1919, he became a permanent referee of the Austrian Constitutional Court.
Julius Ofner championed the idea of a social state. He saw it as essential for democracy. He believed it should ensure a fair distribution of advantages and burdens. His commitment to social justice made him a significant figure.
Today, the Julius Ofner Statue reminds us of his contributions. It stands as a symbol of justice and progress. It is a reminder of the importance of fighting for a better society. The statue encapsulates Ofner’s life. It represents his dedication to law, social reform, and justice. It serves as a lasting tribute to his enduring legacy in Vienna.