'A war between good and evil': Victoria to ban public display of the Nazi swastika

[alex revision]

'A war between good and evil': Victoria to ban public display of the Nazi swastika

May 11, 2022

Victoria is set to ban public display of the Nazi symbol, with future offenders to face a year in jail and a $22,000 fine.

The move will make Victoria the first Australia state or territory to take such a stand against anti-Semitism.

The Victorian Government has introduced the Summary Offences Amendment (Nazi Symbol Prohibition Bill) into parliament today, which will make it illegal to publicly display the symbol.

Victorian Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes announced the move outside parliament, saying she hopes the legislation will send "a very clear message" about Victoria's stance on dissemination of Nazi and neo-Nazi ideology.

"We want to do all we can to stamp out hate and give it no room to grow," she said.

Anti-Defamation Commission chairman Dvir Abramovich has said the move has been much-needed in Victoria.

"I've said it again and again, we have a Nazi swastikas epidemic in this state," he said.

"This is a war between good and evil, and we have to win this war."

Abramovich said the introduction of the law was "an uplifting and triumphant moment for every Victorian".

"It's a thunderous blow to the solar plexus of the neo-Nazi movement here in Victoria," he said.

"I think it will have a huge impact."

Abramovich said that seeing the symbol "tore a hole" through Jewish people's hearts.

The Buddhist swastika symbol will not be included in the legislation.

There will be a year-long education campaign to ensure people understand the difference between the symbols.

The use of swastikas in education, art and films and more will also be exempt.

The NSW government is said to be working on a similar bill.

https://www.9news.com.au/national/na...2-e236bbe7e14c