[an error occurred while processing this directive]
BBC News
watch One-Minute World News
Languages
Last Updated: Thursday, 24 February, 2005, 15:36 GMT
EU-wide Nazi symbols ban rejected
Prince Harry
Prince Harry apologised for his choice of fancy dress
The European Union has dropped proposals to ban Nazi symbols across its 25 member states.

Luxembourg, which currently chairs the EU, withdrew the plans when it became clear that members could not agree on which symbols to ban.

There were also concerns that a ban was a threat to freedom of expression.

The ban was proposed shortly after an heir to the British throne, Prince Harry, was photographed wearing a WWII German uniform with a swastika armband.

Prince Harry subsequently apologised for causing offence by his choice of outfit for a fancy dress party.

Freedom of expression

Correspondents say banning the swastika would be tricky, as it is a time-honoured good luck symbol for Hindus.

Britain, Denmark, Hungary and Italy also voiced concerns at a meeting of justice ministers in Brussels on Thursday that a ban of symbols like the swastika could curb freedom of expression.

The calls for a ban on Nazi symbols had prompted some Euro MPs from former communist countries to call for a similar ban on the symbols of Soviet rule, such as the hammer and sickle. This had already been rejected before the decision on Nazi symbols was made.

The bans could have been included in proposals from the European Commission to harmonise national laws designed to fight racism and xenophobia.

Danish Justice Minister Lene Espersen told reporters that ministers had agreed to resume talks on the commission's plans to make public incitement to racist violence or hatred punishable with minimum two-year jail terms across the EU.

The only country in Europe which has banned the use of Nazi insignia is Germany.

However, France, for example, bars the sale of Nazi-related memorabilia.




SEE ALSO:
EU rejects Communist symbol ban
08 Feb 05 |  Europe
Origins of the swastika
18 Jan 05 |  Magazine


RELATED BBC LINKS:

RELATED INTERNET LINKS:
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites


PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

News Front Page | Africa | Americas | Asia-Pacific | Europe | Middle East | South Asia
UK | Business | Entertainment | Science/Nature | Technology | Health
Have Your Say | In Pictures | Week at a Glance | Country Profiles | In Depth | Programmes
Americas Africa Europe Middle East South Asia Asia Pacific