Court allows far-right party to use 'shocking' anti-gay symbol

The symbol shows two matchstick men having anal intercourse, under the slogan “Zakaz Pedalowania”, a slang expression that translates as “Outlaw Queers” or “Ban Buggery”.

The symbol has been used by far-right and nationalists groups for some years during anti-gay protests in Poland.

Another symbol which the court also allowed was a Celtic cross, a motif widely used by fascist and white supremacist groups.

Having consulted with legal experts, the court in Warsaw acknowledged the potential connotations of the symbols, but ruled that in terms of the law, the emblems could not be described as “unequivocally” promoting totalitarianism, Nazism or racist hatred, actions which are illegal in Poland.

However, Warsaw-based academic Dr Radoslaw Muniak told the Polish Press Agency that he opposes the court's decision.

“This is a scandal on a global scale,” he argued.

“No democratic country would approve something like this,” he said.

The Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights has also said that it was “surprised” and “shocked” by the court's decision. (nh/pg)

Source: PAP