Whereas in recent years, the Nazi swastika, known as the hakenkreuze, and iconography has surfaced with alarming frequency in the public sphere, used by an increasing number of groups and individuals to promote hate and instill fear within Canadian society; and
Whereas the swastika word originates from the Sanskrit word "svastika” and the symbol (卐 - oriented horizontally, with its arms pointing in four cardinal directions) has been used for thousands of years in various cultures, including Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism, to represent good fortune, well-being and auspiciousness; and
Whereas the Nazi appropriation of the swastika word and symbol (卍 - rotated 45 degrees, giving it a slanted appearance) drastically changed its perception in the Western world, associating it with hate, terror and atrocities during World War II; and
Whereas, despite the growing presence of the swastika word and symbol in our country becoming synonymous with systematic violence and terror, the swastika continues to be used very extensively in Hindu, Buddhist and Jain prayer, worship, and other auspicious ceremonies, symbolizing positive attributes like prosperity and well-being; and
Whereas eighteen countries have already taken action to ban Nazi symbols of hate, it is imperative that Canada follow suit;
Therefore, be it resolved:
That Council of the Municipality of Clarington calls on the Government of Canada to pass legislation banning the public display of Nazi symbols and iconography of hate, including the Nazi hakenkreuze, while permitting the use of the sacred swastika word and symbol by communities such as the Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain; and
That the Clarington Diversity Advisory Committee be advised of actions taken.