Australia to introduce national ban on Nazi symbols, with the aim of cracking down on far-right organizations. Individuals who publicly display the swastika or SS symbols will face penalties of up to one year of imprisonment. However, it should be noted that the ban does not encompass the Nazi salute.
Australia to introduce national ban on Nazi symbols
While several states in Australia already have restrictions on Nazi symbols, this new legislation will enforce a blanket ban across the entire country, as stated by the government. The decision to introduce these measures comes in response to a resurgence in far-right activities.
In March, a group of neo-Nazis, who appeared at a rally in Melbourne organized by Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull (known for her opposition to transgender rights), performed Nazi salutes on the steps of the Victorian Parliament. Despite Ms. Keen-Minshull disavowing any association with the group, this incident triggered a political backlash and calls for more concerted efforts to address the public display of Nazi regalia.
Australia to introduce national ban on Nazi symbols
Attorney General Mark Dreyfus, in announcing the new legislation, expressed that Australia has no place for symbols that glorify the horrors of the Holocaust. He further emphasized that the country will no longer tolerate individuals profiting from the display and sale of items that celebrate the Nazis.
The ban encompasses the trade and public exhibition of flags, armbands, T-shirts, insignia, and the online promotion of symbols endorsing Nazi ideology, explained Mr. Dreyfus. However, the legislation allows for public displays of the Nazi swastika and SS symbols for academic, educational, artistic, literary, journalistic, or scientific purposes.
The responsibility for policing the Nazi salute falls under the jurisdiction of state authorities, as the legislation does not cover it. Victoria and Queensland had already implemented bans earlier in the year.
Careful consideration was given to religious contexts in drafting the ban to exclude the display of the swastika, as it holds spiritual significance in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. The Nazi swastika originates from an ancient hooked cross motif that remains a sacred symbol in these religions.
Prior to the recent events in Melbourne, local media reported that neo-Nazis had infiltrated anti-lockdown protests during the COVID-19 pandemic to disseminate their message and recruit members. Last month, Australia’s security chief, Director General Mike Burgess of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, issued a warning about the growing confidence of the country’s extremist far-right, noting their increasing inclination to take to the streets.