Australia to ban Nazi symbols but not the salute, says Mark Dreyfus
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Loading... - Herrera Victor
- 07 Jun 2023
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The attorney general, Mark Dreyfus, has announced that the federal government will impose a ban on Nazi symbols, carrying a penalty of up to one year in prison. However, the Nazi salute will not be prohibited.
This reform comes in response to a controversy in March, where Dreyfus criticized the Coalition for failing to condemn individuals who performed the Nazi salute at an anti-trans rights rally in Melbourne. In reaction to this, Peter Dutton, the opposition leader, proposed a ban on all forms of Nazi glorification, including salutes and symbols.
Dreyfus plans to introduce a bill next week that will criminalize the public display of Nazi symbols, such as the swastika and the SS Schutzstaffel symbol, or any items closely resembling them. The ban will encompass flags, armbands, T-shirts, insignia, and the use of these symbols on websites promoting Nazi ideology.
The legislation will also prohibit the display and trade of Nazi memorabilia, making it illegal to profit from such material in physical stores or online. However, private ownership or non-profit transfers of artifacts will not be banned.
It is important to note that the ban on the swastika does not apply to religious contexts, including its use in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. Further exemptions will be made for academic, educational, artistic, literary, journalistic, or scientific purposes.
Dreyfus emphasized that Australia has no place for symbols that glorify the horrors of the Holocaust. He stated, "We will no longer allow people to profit from the display and sale of items that celebrate the Nazis and their evil ideology. The Albanese government is sending a clear message to those spreading hatred, violence, and antisemitism that we find these actions repugnant and will not tolerate them."
The government has chosen not to include the Nazi salute in the legislation, as they believe its enforcement and potential criminalization should be handled by the states and territories.
Dreyfus expressed the importance of crafting effective and well-targeted legislation, emphasizing the government's commitment to getting it right.
Dvir Abramovich, chairman of the Anti-Defamation Commission, described the ban as a historic moment and the culmination of a six-year campaign against homegrown neo-Nazis who aim to preserve Hitler's legacy. He believes that law enforcement now has the necessary tools to counter the resurgent neo-Nazi movement.
Labor MP Josh Burns highlighted that the use of the Nazi symbol during the Melbourne rally motivated governments to take action. He expressed his dismay at witnessing such a brazen display of neo-Nazi hate and glorification in the city and commended the strengthened legislation as a response to this repugnant behavior.
