between John D. Stamford and the Bruno Gmünder Publishers on the one hand, and the misunderstanding concerning the Spartacus code 'YC' ['young crowd'] on the other... we consider that we must categorically refute all reproaches. The target of the attacks is indeed no longer just one publication... but the entire gay community, whereby the concepts 'homosexuality' and 'paedophilia' are mixed up in a way that is totally unreflected and merely designed to drum up sensation... Spartacus International Gay Guide is a guide for men who like men, not children."). A similar defence was included in the 97/98 edition. However no mention was made of the known links between Stamford and paedophile rings, and Spartacus' promotion of PIE and paedophilia for many years. In November 1994 John D. Stamford went on trial at a local court in Turnhout, Belgium for 'offending public morals and publicising sexual exploitation', however the case was then referred to a higher court in early 1995. The charges, which were brought by four Belgian children's rights organisations, were that the Spartacus Guide and the associated Spartacus Club had provided information enabling paedophiles to find children for sex in countries such as the Philippines, Thailand and Brazil. Stamford denied the charges, stating that they were motivated by homophobia. Stamford died of a heart attack later that year whilst still in custody awaiting trial. Bruno Gmünder continued publishing the Spartacus International Gay Guide annually, now shorn of all references to Stamford or paedophilia, until 2017. GayGuide UG (2017–present) Bruno Gmünder Verlag became insolvent in 2017, and the Spartacus brand was sold to Berlin-based GayGuide UG. GayGuide UG ceased publication of the print guide, focusing instead on the Spartacus app and website. See also Gay tourism International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association LGBT cruises References External links Spartacus International Gay Guide App Consumer guides Gay male mass media LGBT-related mass media in Germany LGBT tourism Publications established in 1970 Travel guide books Pedophile advocacy