We received a petition asking:
“We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to include dance within the historical re-enactment or Sporting Activity exemption for the purchase of swords in reference to the Violent Crimes Reduction Bill.”
Details of Petition:
“We the undersigned propose that dance be included as historical re-enactment or sporting activity within the exemption for the purchase & use of swords. HEALTH/FITNESS/SPORT: Dance promotes a healthy lifestyle & is often taught as a form of aerobic sport exercise. Other classes focus on technique & performance, at a professional level a good knowledge of fitness & physiology is required. Belly dancers & many other types of traditional folklore dancers learn to use various props, such as sticks & swords which requires a great deal of skill, takes years to perfect & requires absolute stability of the head & neck, & flexibility & power. Thus, Types of dance that use swords as props, are ‘an athletic activity requiring skill or physical prowess’ which is the definition of sport, therefore, should be included within the Sporting Activity exemption. HISTORICAL PRESERVATION: Swords have been used in many traditional folklore dances in England since as far back as 1700s. These dances are forms of art that are of great historical & cultural relevance, Banning the use of these swords will inevitably cause them to die out. It is crucial that they are preserved & allowed to continue.”
· Read the petition
· Petitions homepage
Read the Government’s response
Thank you for signing the e-petition about the ban on swords with a curved blade of over 50cm centimetres.
The Government has now banned the sale, hire, manufacture and import of samurai swords, through a ban on all swords with a curved blade of 50cm or over in length. This ban on items that can be and have been used in violent crime came into force on 6 April. The ban is about protecting people and communities. However, it is important to note that legislation already exists that bans the possession of these weapons in a public place, and that it will be permissible for those who already own swords which fit the definition to retain ownership.
In banning ‘samurai swords’, the Government has sought to safeguard legitimate use by including defences in the Offensive Weapons Order for collectors of genuine Japanese swords, for those who partake in historical re-enactments and for swords used by martial arts enthusiasts. Moreover, the ban only applies to swords with curved blades and not swords with straight blades.
The ban follows a Government consultation paper published in March 2007, which set out proposals to ban samurai swords. Please find the links below to a summary of responses to the consultation exercise, and subsequent Orders laid before Parliament.
· http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/documents/cons-2007-ban-offensive-weapons/
· http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2008/pdf/uksi_20080973_en.pdf
· http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2008/draft/ukdsi_9780110817774_en_1
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