The Age | State to ban swastika as part of anti-vilification reform
By Erin Pearson
Victoria will become the first Australian state or territory to ban the use of Nazi symbols including the swastika as part of landmark reform aimed at boosting human rights protections.
Legislation expected to be passed early next year willmake the public display of Nazi symbols illegal following a recent rise in neo-Nazi activity and calls from the opposition and Jewish leaders to stamp out hateful behaviour.
The proposed ban will form part of sweeping new anti-vilification reform aimed at reaching beyond race and religion to cover areas such as sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability and HIV/AIDS status.
Anti-Defamation Commission chairman Dvir Abramovich applauded the decision.
“This is a day for the history book, a joyful and profound moment,” he said…
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The comments came as the state government was preparing to review Victoria’s anti-vilification laws after Reason Party MP Fiona Patten pushed to widen the Racial and Religious Tolerance Act.
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Read the full article on The Age’s website.