Does Nazi symbol law in Germany need to be changed?
The German government said on Monday a law
penalizing people for displaying Nazi symbols might need to be changed after a
court fined a man for selling anti-Nazi T-shirts and badges bearing
swastikas.
This banner is against the law in Germany
The German government said on Monday a law penalizing people for displaying Nazi symbols might need to be changed after a court fined a man for selling anti-Nazi T-shirts and badges bearing swastikas.
The Nazi emblem appeared on the items in a circle with a large red line through it.
But a state court in the southwestern city of Stuttgart ruled on Friday it still violated German law because it risked making the hooked cross acceptable again.
Justice Minister Brigitte Zypries questioned the logic of the decision in the Maerkische Allgemeine newspaper on Monday, saying that if the ruling was confirmed by a higher court, then the law itself was flawed.
Under German law, performing a Hitler salute, wearing Nazi uniforms or displaying the swastika can carry a penalty of up to three years in prison.
Many nations understand the history behind the original laws — having suffered Nazi oppression. I wonder what the average American thinks about this controversy.
Posted: Tue - October 3, 2006 at 06:28 AM