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Swords banned!
Thu, April 17, 2008 - 5:57 AMThis totally sucks!!
I am so angry. Bloody place! Does anyone know more - are daggers ok? I have a workshop in July with Morgana and need to buy some.
I hate this country sometimes!
Thu, April 17, 2008 - 5:57 AM -
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Thu, April 17, 2008 - 7:51 AM
I know, it sucks doesn't it!!! I would have put in an order with you earlier as we mentioned, but I kept checking KOA & they were always out of stock-grr!! There is more info here in case you missed it... tribes.tribe.net/bellydanc...c23b93ce9f
I wrote to the Johnathon Batt fella, but didn't get a reply-how rude!! ;-P I know a sword dance workshop was held in london last weekend, and the one at raqs B is still advertised. So can I assume dancing with them IS still ok? Even so, I am still upset at the thought of never getting my paws on a new sword! And what if something happens to my existing sword...I'd have to go cold turkey!!! I am sure you can still buy daggers - my only concern would be how you transport them to & from the venue...when does storing a dagger safely in your suitcase become concealing a weapon in your suitcase? I dunno~it probably doesnt, but no doubt there is someone out there who says it does!!? Anyway, thanks for giving me yet another opportunity to rant about this!! I hope you are well~ hope to see you soon , Heather ~~~X |
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Thu, April 17, 2008 - 9:02 AM
OOh, we must have talked it up...Just got this ...
Thank you for your recent email regarding the ban on swords with a curved blade of over 50 centimetres and the effect of this on belly dancing. 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, due to their use in violent crime. The ban came into force on 6 April 2008 having received Parliamentary approval following debates in the Commons and the Lords which unanimously supported the ban. 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. As you may be aware the ban follows on from a Government consultation paper published on 5 March 2007 which detailed proposals to ban samurai swords and gave a 12-week window for people to let us have their views. The closing date for the consultation was 28 May 2007. In terms of the ban going too wide in picking up all curved swords, the Government thinks this is proportionate in order to ensure that we have a definition that is enforceable and which has a real impact in terms of reducing the availability of items that have and can be used in violent crime. The proposed ban is about protecting people and communities and it is important to have a definition that minimises the need for subjective interpretation. In banning such 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. Regarding adding extra defences for groups such as belly dancers who consider their legitimate use of curved swords has been unfairly targeted by the definition, there is a risk that by creating too many defences it makes any ban unenforceable by police, customs and the courts. However, we will, of course, listen to and consider representations from such groups. Please find the link below to the summary of responses paper and subsequent Order laid before Parliament. www.homeoffice.gov.uk/documen...weapons/ www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2008/...0973_en.pdf We do not propose, at present, to add any other articles to the Offensive Weapons Order, although policy on offensive weapons is constantly kept under review. Regards Jonathan Batt Public Order and Offensives Weapons section Public Order Unit 020 7035 1807 |
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Thu, April 17, 2008 - 9:03 AM
oh god, sorry Lucy, that came out reeeealy long....It seems i am hijacking this blog...SORREEEE!
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Thu, April 17, 2008 - 12:45 PM
Swords banned
Hi Heather, I got the exact same reply to my email Seems like someone is just pushing out blanket emails. I hope that if enough of us badger this chap that he may actually do something about looking into it and getting dancers an exemption from the ban!!!
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