Political uniform
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A number of political movements have involved their members wearing uniforms, typically as a way of showing their identity in marches. The wearing of political uniforms has tended to be associated with radical political beliefs, typically at the far-right or more rarely, far-left of politics, and can be used to imply a paramilitary type of organization.
Notable uniformed political groups have included:
- Brownshirts
- Blackshirts
- Silver Legion of America
- Blueshirts
- The National Reformer's Party
- Ku Klux Klan
- the Patriotic People's Movement of Finland
- the Green Shirt Movement for Social Credit
The youth sections of some political movements have also been uniformed:
- Hitler Youth (Youth wing of the German Nazi Party)
- Komsomol (Youth wing of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union)
A number of countries have legislation banning the wearing of political uniforms. Many also ban members of their armed forces from taking part in political activity when in uniform.
Contents |
[edit] Laws
[edit] Germany
In Germany, political uniforms are forbidden.
[edit] Sweden
Political uniforms were forbidden in Sweden during the period 1947-2002. The law existed to prevent nazi groups from wearing uniforms, which they after 2002 can do legal. (see National Socialist Front).
[edit] United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, the Public Order Act 1936 banned the wearing of political uniforms during marches.
