Doukhobors

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The Doukhobors were anarchist religious sect, that broke away from the Orthodox Church and form in 17th century Russia. The practiced a kind of “spiritual Christianity” that adhered to the principles of pacifism, and vegetarianism. They did not believe in government control? The “Spirit-Wrestlers.” as they were described but and Orthodox Church archbishop were often persecuted in Russia. ¹ Doukhobors

Many fled Russia after a wave of persecution and emigrated to Canada. There the sect became known for their nude protests of perceived intervention of the Canadian government in their way of life.

If you displeased the Doukhobors, you most likely were going to see their genitals. … When they felt they were being encroached upon by ordinances not their own, off went the pants. ²The Doukhobors Protest Naked (1905-21)

One unhappy sub group of Doukhobors the Sons of Freedom protested through nude parades and broke with the pacifist principle by burning school houses. The British Columbia and Canadian government passed special laws to outlaw nude parades. Hundreds of Doukhobors were arrested.³ Doukhobors

In May of 1903 over 45 Doukhobors protested by marching naked, were charged with “nudism” and sentenced to jail. Naked skirmishes between the Canadian government and the Doukhobors continued into the 1970s.⁴ A Brief History of Nakedness

The Canadian government eventually intervened to remove the Doukhobor children from their families and place them in the residential “boarding school”. This led to more nude protest marches. The Doukhobors’ nude protest marches and dances caused members of the group that tried to enter the U.S. after conflicts with the Canadian government to be barred.⁵ DO NUDE DANCE AS PROTEST; Doukhobors, Refused Admission to U.S.

References

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  Doukhobors
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  The Doukhobors Protest Naked (1905-21)
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  Doukhobors
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  A Brief History of Nakedness
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  DO NUDE DANCE AS PROTEST; Doukhobors, Refused Admission to U.S.