It is prohibited to wear or display uniforms, uniform items, or distinctive badges of organizations that have been banned by law in public spaces. This prohibition applies to all forms of public appearance, including streets, squares, and public buildings, regardless of whether the display is intentional or incidental.
Plain language: You cannot wear or show uniforms or badges of banned groups in public places in Austria.
The term 'uniform items' includes any clothing, accessories, or insignia that are specifically designed to identify membership in a proscribed organization. This definition extends to historical replicas or modern adaptations that serve the same identificatory purpose as the original banned attire.
Plain language: Uniform items include any clothes or accessories that show you belong to a banned group, even if they are copies or modern versions.
Exceptions to this prohibition are granted for activities conducted under strict official supervision for educational, scientific, or artistic purposes. Such exceptions require prior written approval from the relevant administrative authority and must ensure that the display does not promote the ideology of the banned organization.
Plain language: You may display these items for education or art only if you get official permission first and do not promote the banned group's ideas.
Any person who violates the provisions of this law shall be subject to a fine or imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year. The severity of the penalty may be increased if the violation involves the organization of public demonstrations or the use of media to disseminate the prohibited symbols.
Plain language: Breaking this law can result in a fine or up to one year in jail, with harsher penalties for public demonstrations or media use.
Administrative authorities are empowered to seize and confiscate any uniforms, badges, or related items found in violation of this law. Confiscated items shall be destroyed or stored securely to prevent their further use in contravention of the statutory prohibitions.
Plain language: Authorities can take away and destroy any banned uniforms or badges they find to stop them from being used again.