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Victoria Will Become First State In Australia To Ban Hate Symbols

Victoria Will Become First State In Australia To Ban Hate Symbols

Things like the Nazi swastika will be banned from being displayed anywhere in the state.

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie

Victoria will become the first state in Australia to officially ban hate symbols like the Nazi swastika.

The Victorian Parliament's Legal and Social Issues Committee made a recommendation in March earlier this year to ensure these types of emblems weren't permitted to be displayed anywhere in the state.

The Victorian government has now finally announced action.

Laws specifically relating to Nazi symbols will be introduced to parliament in the first half of next year and they will be the first of their kind in the country.

The Age/Sydney Morning Herald

Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes said: "All forms of hate are unacceptable and have no place in Victoria - expanding our anti-vilification laws to protect more Victorians sends a clear message that this vile behaviour will not be tolerated.

"I thank the committee and all those who participated in the inquiry for their work on these complex issues.

"Our new laws will build upon their efforts and we will make sure we consult widely with the community and impacted groups to get the settings right before making legislative changes."

Museums are expected to have exemptions to display Nazi regalia and other symbols that fall under the ban.

There have been plenty of worrying incidents in the state in the last year or two, with people proudly wearing swastikas in public.

There was also the horrifying issue just before Australia Day where a group of white supremacists gathered in the Grampians and held a KKK-style rally.

Twitter

Opposition police and community safety spokesman David Southwick is pleased to see the government coming down hard on these Nazi-sympathisers.

"It's a great day for those that have suffered abuse and hate from the evil Nazi swastika," he said. "It is great to see Victoria leading the way on this.

"There is no other symbol like the Nazi swastika that has taken the evils of the past and been used in the present day.

"We've also seen an increase in white supremacist neo-Nazi groups that have sprung up, it's really important tot be able to disarm those groups to ensure we don't have ongoing hate and violence in our state.

"Victoria has always been a multicultural state that has celebrated diversity."

It's unclear what the penalty will be for those caught displaying the banned symbols, however that will be revealed when the legislation is properly tabled in parliament.

Featured Image Credit: Adam Jones (Flickr)

Topics: Australia