Australian state becomes 1st in country to ban display of swastikas

Those who intentionally exhibit the Nazi symbol face up to a year in jail or a hefty fine.

An Australian state has become the first in that country to ban the display of swastikas, threatening that those who intentionally share the symbol could face jail time or a hefty fine.

“Victoria has become the first in Oz to ban the public display of the Nazi symbol, recognizing its role in inciting antisemitism & hate,” tweeted Victoria’s Attorney-General and Minister for Emergency Services Jacyln Symes. “It’s a proud moment to see these important laws pass. It sends the strongest possible message that this vile behaviour wont be tolerated.”

“In our state, nobody has the right to spread racism, hate or antisemitism. Ever. That’s why last night we passed legislation to ban the Nazi symbol. And now, it’s the law,” Premier Dan Andrews wrote on Twitter.

Those who intentionally exhibit the Nazi symbol face up to a year in jail or a A$22,000 fine (just under CA$20,000.)

According to SBS News in Australia, far-right terrorism investigations increased by approximately 750 per cent in 18 months, and officials say they only expect that number to climb.

“Islamist or religiously motivated violent extremism remains the predominant threat at about 85 per cent of our workload,” Australian Federal Police’s assistant commissioner Scott Lee told the outlet last October.