BBC NEWS | Europe | Kilts Banned By Radical Parliament Decision
1 April, 2009
In a shocking decision out of Saeima, the Latvian Parliament, the wearing of the Scottish national dress has been banned from being worn within the Republic of Latvia due to increasing public offences and crime by kilt-wearing tourists. The act passed by a vote of 73 'Aye' to 27 'No'.
The conservative Latvia's First Party member Vjačeslavs Stepaņenko stated, "The behaviour of the Scots when wearing the kilt is disgraceful and must be addressed. It is high time that Latvia clean up this debauchery and protect Latvian citizens from lewd and malicious behaviour".
The scene in the chambers was intense, as members from the liberal National Harmony Party raged on against the "Ludicrous and racist attack on our British allies and their human and civic rights".
Leader of the Harmony Party Aleksandrs Golubovs was there to voice his dismay at the "shocking display of ignorance" and then proceeded to question the motives behind the move.
'The Kilt in Latvia'
Critics of the kilt argue that it is obscene and lewd.
Latvian Way Party MP Anatolijs Gorbunovs for the Ludza District said that he finds the kilt offensive.
"I was born born in Latvia, and I represent Latvian interests, and the kilt is not one of them. Being from Daugavpils [Latvia's second largest city], I see first hand the damage these ruffians impose when they cross the border into Latvia."
MP Aivars Aksenoks, member of the New Era Party, claims he voted for the Act for political reasons.
"It is not the kilt I have a problem with," the MP said, "I voted for this Act to bring us one step closer to our the great nation of Latvia separating from British cultural imperialism. By sending a message to our neighbours to the west, we will more rapidly dissolve this force that has been hurting Latvian interest for far too long".
The National Harmony Party vows to take steps to repeal the Act and expects to discuss the matter at Riga.
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