Banning the Runes?

The European Union is considering a motion to ban "Nazi symbols," based on the Prince Harry Pot-Head Nazi costume debacle. While Nazism and other racist movements should be wholly abrogated, the banning of "Nazi symbols" is a definite attack on the elder ways.

Prior to the Nazi horror, the swastika was (and still is) a holy symbol of the Heithni, as well as other cultures. Now there is a sense of apology everytime the Holy Fylflot (swastika) is displayed under its true purpose.

On the contrary, Norse Heathens believe that everyone should learn of their ancestral spiritual roots, whatever they may be. Rather than promoting hatred of other races and cultures, we believe in respecting all ancestral traditions, including the ancestral traditions of the Jewish people.

Organizations like Northvegr and Heathens against Hate have made a lot of efforts to correct some of the preconceived notions about Asatru/Heathen groups and organizations. Sadly, some offshoots of Heathenism have taken up anti-Semitic and racist views, whether subtly or overtly, but they have been co-opted by outside groups and are not within the body of Norse Heathen teachings.

Besides the ban of the swastika, this ban may result in the other (and possibly all) holy runes. Many runes and other Norse symbols are considered "Nazi Symbols" as shown by the Jewish Anti-Defamation League. I e-mailed my concerns to the ADL on June 4, 2004, and they have added some commentary to their webpage to correct some of the preconceived ideas about Heathens/ Asatru. Thanx and a tip of the cap to them.

However, Could this ban spread to the United States? We are such a small minority, it could be very easy for our religious rights to be trampled.