EU swastika ban would 'discriminate' against Hindus

An MEP has hit out at those calling for a ban on the use of the swastika symbol.

Robert Evans MEP has launched a campaign urging for a better understating within Europe of the origins of the four armed symbol.

“The swastika was not invented by Hitler” said the MEP, “it has been used for over 3,000 years by many cultures, in particular the Hindu, Jain and Buddhist communities to represent life, sun, power, peace, strength, and good luck.”

“Whilst I understand why some MEPs are suggesting the swastika should be banned, in reality this would have the effect of discriminating against Europe’s one million plus Hindus and deprive them of their sacred symbol.”

The MEP has taken action by tabling a parliamentary written declaration with colleague Neena Gill noting that until the twentieth century, the symbol was associated with positive ideas.

For Hindus, the symbol, traditionally red, is a sacred symbol used for thousands of years to ward off evil.

Adopted by Adolf Hitler's Nazis in the 1920s - it has in recent history become a symbol of “all that is evil and was associated with the greatest crimes in the history of mankind,” said the MEP.

“I completely condemn its use for xenophobic, racial hatred or right wing purposes. However what is needed now is tolerance and understanding. The swastika in a different form is very important to millions of Hindus across Europe and the rest of the world.”

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