South Australia will soon make it illegal to display Nazi symbols and gestures in public in light of an increase in anti-Semitism and “extremist” behaviour in the country.
People caught performing the Nazi salute or exhibiting swastikas in public would be subject to fines of up to A$20,000 (US$13,232) or a year in prison, according to South Australia Attorney-General Kyam Maher.
Mr. Maher said the bill would impose tough penalties on those seeking to promote “this abhorrent ideology” and grant the police the powers to remove the prohibited symbols.
He argued the move would foster a safe and inclusive environment for the Jewish community in the state amid a rise in “extremist, hateful behaviour” around Australia.
“The very rich diversity and cohesion of our multicultural society in South Australia is one of our greatest strengths, but we need to be careful and vigilant to protect that,” Mr. Maher told reporters on Nov. 29.
“This sort of hatred and division has no place in South Australia.”
He also hoped that the new law would protect multicultural and ethnic groups from religious discrimination and racist behaviour.
Meanwhile, Greg Adams, chair of the Adelaide…
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