State in Australia bans display of Nazi symbol

Victoria has become Australia’s first state to specifically ban the display of the Nazi Swastika.

Under a new law, people who intentionally exhibit the symbol face up to a year in jail.

Victorian Premier Dan Andrews said nobody has the right to spread racism, hate or anti-semitism.

Like many places globally, Australia has seen a sharp rise in anti-semitic incidents in recent times.

Victoria already has anti-hate speech laws but they have been criticised for having gaps.

A push for reform intensified in 2020 when a couple raised a Swastika flag above their home, angering the local community.

State officials called the new legislation a proud moment, three other states have said they will introduce similar laws.

There are exemptions for showing the symbol in historical, educational and artistic contexts. It can also be used in Hindu, Buddhist and Jain religious contexts as it has been for millennia.

People will be prosecuted only if they defy a first request to remove the symbol.