Charisa Bossinakis
Victoria is extremely close to officially making the Nazi salute illegal.
A new bill is set to be proposed in parliament today (August 29) that proposes that Victorians who demonstrate the anti-semitic gesture could face 12 months in prison or be forced to pay a $23,000 fine.
Or perhaps even both.
9News says police will also have the power to get a person to remove a Nazi symbol from the public.
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Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes says Victoria has a ‘zero tolerance for the glorification of hateful ideology’.
"We're making sure people who use these symbols and gestures to harass, intimidate and incite hate are held accountable for their cowardly behaviour," she said via statement.
"While we wish making these laws wasn't necessary, we will always tackle antisemitism, hatred and racism head-on – because all Victorians deserve to feel accepted, safe and included."
However, exceptions will be made if salutes for academic, artistic, or scientific purposes.
It comes after the state banned the display of the Nazi swastika.
Those who breach the law can be fined up to $20,000 or face up to 12 months behind bars.
ABC News reports that before passing the bill, the Victorian government consulted with 'religious, legal and community groups’ to understand the religious use of the swastika while ensuring it could be used for historical and artistic purposes.
In a press release, Ms Symes said the swastika exudes Nazi rhetoric, causing ‘further pain and division'.
She said: “It’s a proud moment to see these important laws pass with bipartisan support – I’m glad to see that no matter what side of politics, we can agree that this vile behaviour will not be tolerated in Victoria.”
Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ros Spence added these new laws were part of the state’s ‘unwavering commitment to antisemitism, hatred and racism’.
Earlier this year, Queensland also cracked down on the display of the racist symbol, with Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk saying at the time: “These crimes are not harmless and nor is the ideology behind it.”
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Shannon Fentiman added that the new law would help encourage an inclusive community and denounce ‘hate crimes’.
“We are committed to a Queensland that is harmonious, fair and inclusive, not one where individuals or groups are vilified based on their race, religion, language, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation or gender,” she said.