VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA, May 11, 2022 (Mirage News): Victoria will become the first Australian state or territory to ban the public display of the Nazi symbol in recognition of its role in inciting antisemitism and hate. The Andrews Labor Government today introduced the Summary Offences Amendment (Nazi Symbol Prohibition) Bill 2022, which makes it a criminal offense for a person to intentionally display the Nazi symbol (the Hakenkreuz, often referred to as the Nazi swastika) in public. The Hakenkreuz is a symbol of hate and causes division and significant harm to Victorians, particularly to the Jewish community. The harm caused by hate conduct and vilification can be profound, affecting people’s physical and psychological well being. Once in effect, anyone who intentionally displays the Nazi symbol in public faces penalties of up to almost US$15,000, 12 months imprisonment, or both.

Importantly, the bill also recognizes the cultural and historical significance of the swastika for the Buddhist, Hindu, Jain and other faith communities as an ancient and sacred symbol of peace and good fortune. The bill does not prohibit the display of the swastika in such religious and cultural contexts. The ban will be supported by a community education campaign to raise awareness of the origins of the religious and cultural swastika, its importance to the Buddhist, Hindu and Jain communities and its distinction to the Nazi symbol. The legislation will come into effect a year after passing to allow for time to implement this campaign. The Government undertook extensive consultation with religious, legal and community groups on the offense, including to understand the religious use of the swastika and ensure exceptions are in place for appropriate displays of the Nazi symbol, such as for educational or artistic purposes.

https://www.miragenews.com/nation-leading-reform-banning-hate-symbols-in-779414/

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