Swastika ban

last updated 8 January 2015

Strasbourg, France

German members of the European Parliament called this week for an E.U.-wide ban on the display of Nazi symbols. Britain’s Prince Harry caused an international outcry last week by wearing a Nazi uniform, complete with swastika armband, to a costume party. German officials were quick to condemn him, noting that such a stunt could bring jail time in Germany. Austria and Hungary also have bans on Nazi insignia. European commissioners said they would consider extending the ban across the E.U. if all the countries’ justice ministers agreed. That puts Britain in an awkward position: Two years ago, Britain led the opposition to a similar proposal.