Laws banning the Nazi salute and the display or sale of symbols associated with terror groups came into effect in Australia as the government responds to a rise in antisemitic incidents following the Israeli bombardment of Gaza, Reuters reports.
The law makes it an offence punishable by up to 12 months in prison to publicly perform the Nazi salute or display the Nazi swastika or the double-sig rune associated with the Schutzstaffel (SS) paramilitary group.
The sale and trade of these symbols is similarly prohibited.
Attorney General Mark Dreyfus said in a statement the legislation sent a clear message there was no place in Australia for those who glorify the Holocaust or terrorist acts.
“This is the first legislation of its kind and will ensure no one in Australia will be allowed to glorify or profit from acts and symbols that celebrate the Nazis and their evil ideology,” Dreyfus said.
The new law also bans the public display or trade in symbols associated with prohibited terror organisations, such as Islamic State, Hamas or the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).
Exemptions exist for academic, educational or artistic use.