Attorney General AustraliaMark Dreyfus announced a plan to reform the laws this Tuesday. Nazi salute banned nationwideIn a context where racist acts are increasing.
“The government will ban public displays of the Nazi salute and make clear there is no place in Australia for those who wish to perform it. “glorifying hatred”Dreyfus stated that the draft amendment that would make the Nazi salute a crime will be presented on Wednesday, without specifying the possible punishment.
This measure coincides with authorities’ concerns about an increase in hate crimes against the Jewish and Muslim community as a result of the war between Israel and Hamas; However, the increase in far-right groups was already a cause for concern.
In June, the Anti-Terrorism Act was reformed nationally to make the display of Nazi symbols punishable by up to twelve months in prison and to ban the sale of T-shirts, flags, bracelets or other artifacts bearing Nazi or SS swastikas.
“Changes are no one’s It will allow for the glorification or exploitation of actions and symbols that glorify the Nazis and their evil ideology. “There is absolutely no place for hatred, violence and anti-Semitism in Australia,” Dreyfus said today. he emphasized.
The measure also coincides with a letter signed by more than 600 influential people, including politicians and media moguls, condemning a significant increase in racist and anti-Semitic acts since the start of the war. Conflict in the Middle East.
The letter calls for greater commitment from Australia’s political leaders to combat racism and states that anti-Semitic incidents have increased by 482 percent since October 7.
“All Australians have the right to be treated with respect, free from aggressive, hostile and intimidating attitudes. We are against antisemitism, Islamophobia and all forms of racism (…) Together, we are united in our support for an Australia where all citizens are treated with respect, inclusion and dignity,” the letter emphasizes.
Although Australian federal law does not ban the Nazi salute, some jurisdictions in the country, such as Tasmania and Victoria, have already banned the gesture since this year, punishing it with prison sentences and hefty fines.
However, there are exceptions for displaying the swastika in educational, artistic, scientific, academic or religious contexts.