Political uniform

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.

Laws

Germany

In Germany, political uniforms are forbidden.

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 legally. (see National Socialist Front).

United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, the Public Order Act 1936 banned the wearing of political uniforms during marches.

See also

• Armband