"We were forced to cut the lion's willy off with the aid of a computer," lamented the Swedish army's Christian Braunstein in December of the decision, which has approximately 2,000 Swedes displaying a penis-free mascot on their uniforms.

"A heraldic lion is a powerful and stately figure with its genitalia intact," said Heraldic artist Vladimir Sagerlund, "and I cannot approve and edited image."

"The army lacks knowledge about heraldry," Sagerlund added. "Once upon a time coats of arms containing lions without genitalia were given to those who betrayed the Crown."

"It was a clear breach of copyright," charges heraldist Henrik Klackenberg, who also desires an apology from the military. "They stepped over the line when they made alterations to the badge without consulting us."

Reports originally attributed the decision to a coalition of female soldiers lobbying the European Court of Justice. However, it was revealed by Nordic Battlegroup Commander Karl Engelbrektsson that he personally saw to the change after reading UN Security Council Resolution 1325, Concerning Peace, Women and Security. Engelbrektsson determined that a lion with an erect penis was not a proper symbol for soldiers to be displaying as women in war zones continue to suffer sexual abuse.

"I think we can safely say that this is the biggest splash ever created by Swedish heraldry," admits Mr. Klackenberg, despite his protest. "It's definitely an all-time high."