forwarding a message I received from the "Folk Camps" organisation. the bill is meant to stop (or at least reduce) knife attacks, not dancing:
Have you ever done or watched sword dancing? As a Folk Camper, the chances are that you have. Did you know that this activity is about to become illegal?
The government is introducing the "Violent Crimes Reduction Bill". Under this legislation the sale or use of swords will be prohibited unless for historical re-enactment or sporting activities.
Currently, the government does not recognize dance as either a historical re-enactment or a sporting activity and therefore dancers are not included within the exemption for the purchase & use of swords with regards to the Violent Crimes Reduction Bill.
Traditional folklore dances in England since as far back as 1700s have been known to use props such as sticks and swords as part of their dances. These dances are forms of art that are of great historical & cultural relevance. Banning the purchase of and, more importantly, the use of these swords may cause such dancing to die out.
It is crucial that sword dances are preserved & allowed to continue. There is a petition which is up on the home office website. Please show your support and sign the petition to get dance included so that we can continue to preserve and perform the beautiful art of sword dance. Whether you are a dancer or not, your support is needed, and fast. The closing date is 25th June 2008
More signatures are desperately needed; here is the link: