8-6-2023 (SYDNEY) Australia is taking a stand against the rise of far-right activities by introducing legislation to ban public displays and sales of Nazi hate symbols, the government announced on Thursday (Jun 8). The move comes in response to an increase in the use of these symbols within the country.
Symbols such as the swastika, a notorious emblem of Nazi propaganda, and the insignia of the Schutzstaffel (SS), the paramilitary wing of the Nazi party, will be prohibited from being used as flags, armbands, or printed on clothing.
Federal Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus expressed his concern over the growing presence of these hateful symbols, stating that they have no place in Australian society and should be strongly condemned. He highlighted that public events organized by individuals displaying these symbols have unfortunately been associated with acts of violence.
However, the ban will not extend to the Nazi salute, as Dreyfus explained that enforcement of that specific prohibition would be better handled by state and territory governments, who have greater authority over street offenses.
Australia’s intelligence agency has warned about the increasing activities of far-right groups within the country, noting that they have become more organized and visible.
In March, a group of neo-Nazis clashed with transgender rights protesters in Melbourne, raising their arms in a Nazi salute near the state parliament building. Last year, a football fan who performed the salute during the Australia Cup final was handed a lifetime ban from attending any Football Australia-sanctioned matches.
Dreyfus highlighted that all Australian states and territories have either passed laws or announced plans to ban Nazi symbols, and the proposed federal legislation will align with these existing measures.
Offenders found guilty of violating the ban can face a prison sentence of up to 12 months, according to Dreyfus.
The legislation will include exemptions for artistic, academic, or religious use of swastikas, acknowledging their spiritual significance in Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism.
