SYDNEY: The government of the Australian state of Tasmania on Wednesday became the first in the country to ban the Nazi salute, reported German news agency (dpa).
Tasmania’s attorney-general Elise Archer said the government had sent a “strong message” that hateful and offensive conduct was not welcome in the state.
As well as the salute, the state also criminalised the display of Nazi symbols, including the swastika.
“We strongly condemn any display of hate in our community,” Archer said.
First-time offenders face up to three months’ jail under the new law, which is expected to come into effect later this year.
Archer said the law acknowledged the importance of the swastika to the Buddhist, Hindu and Jain religious communities.
“The Bill also acknowledges other legitimate public purposes for display, including other religious, cultural, academic and educational purposes.”
Police would undergo education and training on the new offences, including on the cultural significance of the swastika, she said.
“Our government acknowledges that Nazi symbols are used to promote hate not only against Jewish people, but also other minority groups,” she said.
“This Bill is the first of its kind in Australia and will contribute to the creation of a safer and more inclusive Tasmania.”
The federal government is moving to ban the public display and sale of Nazi symbols and paraphernalia, but the salute is not included in the proposal.
Last year, Victoria became the first Australian state to ban the public display of the Nazi swastika. It plans to expand its legislation to include the salute following clashes between transgender rights protesters and neo-Nazis in Melbourne. – BERNAMA-dpa
