Legal information
Behaviour, uniforms and the law
Most organised groups have joined in the 'Landelijk Platform Levende Geschiedenis' (LPLG), a National organization for re-enactment of all periods. Of course outside this body there are groups active, too.Even though allied re-enactment has become rather accepted, German re-enactment is still a touchy issue. Towards the end of the war the German rule turned quite bad, and a lot of people saw a lot of horrible things. Add to this the fact that post-war storytelling turned all Germans to Nazis creating fierce resentment in post-war generations and it should be quite clear that German re-enactment is not something to take very lightly.
However, at this time there is a very small group of re-enactors portraying the average German conscript who are being invited to public events (The "3 Kom 60 PzGrReg 116 Div" aka Windhund division). They follow extremely strict rules, thoroughly screen future members and are under very strict supervision from the LPLG. As of yet, their behaviour has been exemplary and their results promising. Waffen-SS and political party re-enactments are still an absolute faux pas though, considering their reign of terror in all occupied countries. Private training weekends may have different rules.
There are rules for units within the LPLG against attending events in the Netherlands where there are 'wild Germans', meaning anyone besides the above mentioned Windhund group. It is also somewhat frowned upon to have people dress up as Germans just for a mock battle because officially they can be seen as 'wild Germans' and unofficially because it's rather indecent towards the hard working members of the Windhund Division group. Bear that in mind when attending events in the Netherlands!
At present, NSDAP-related, or Waffen-SS insignia or uniform, is not within the law. This is based on the post-war Nurnberg trials, where these organizations were declared criminal. There is also a law called 'Wet op de weerkorpsen' restricting the use of uniforms. Also, wearing a uniform that could lead to the idea that the wearer is in one way or another representing an official body, is against the law.Firearms laws
Any weapon, toy or whatever that could be used to threaten people, is classified as a weapon. This includes welded weapons, which have the barrel drilled, trigger mechanism removed or whatever!Live fire weapons which have not been specially adapted to prevent the use of live ammunition are FORBIDDEN to use for re-enactments here. Bringing them along will get you in a huge, huge world of legal trouble. Bayonets can be mounted for parades but it's not recommended. Dutch law doesn't specifically forbid it, however it also doesn't say its legal. Add to that the fact that it greatly increases the risk of injury and people are better off keeping it in its scabbard.
Possession, carrying in public or even transporting in the boot of a car, is illegal.
For people coming over to an event in the Netherlands, the organising body/club will have to get a written permit for the event from our 'Ministerie van Justitie'. With that, everybody wanting to bring de-activated weapons into the country can apply through the organization of that event for a 'Consent', an official state-issued document mentioning what weapon will be brought into the Netherlands, along what route and for what period.
It should also be noted that firearms licensed to Re-enactors are for Re-enactment only! It is forbidden to use these firearms in any film or TV-productions!
Dutch law is very complicated and VERY open to interpretation by the local police officer. Considering the very strict laws on firearms in the Netherland, it is recommended not to bring any firearms here. It's far easier to just rent a weapon from 'Anta' who provide blank firers especially for re-enactments.
Vehicle owners should also be aware that vehicle mounted weaponry (or even look-alike) and dismountable weapons are both covered by Dutch firearms legislation. It is recommended to ask the organization of the event, regarding rules and regulations in advance of travelling in these cases.Road rules
In the Netherlands, you must have a relevant driving license for the vehicle that you are driving, vehicle documents (log book) and insurance, with green card. Your vehicle must be certified as roadworthy according to your own laws. Modern day vehicle equipment, like fire extinguisher, first-aid outfit and day glow jacket are not demanded by law (yet), but it is advisable to have them in the vehicle. Motorcycle helmets are compulsory on all motorcycles, incl. outfits. Motorcycles do not have to switch on lights in the daytime.As always, when you're in a foreign country for a reenactment, listen to the natives and follow their advice. Do not draw unnecessary attention to yourself and follow common sense.
© 2007 by bee • mailto: webmaster(at)ww2reenactment.info