Australia Enacts First-of-its-Kind Law Banning Nazi Symbols and Salute Amid Antisemitism Surge

The law, a response to rising hate crimes following the Israel-Hamas war, criminalizes the public display and sale of Nazi symbols with violations punishable by up to a year in prison.

Australia has enacted a law banning the public display of Nazi symbols and the Nazi salute, in response to a surge in antisemitism and hate crimes, particularly following the Israel-Hamas war.
The law, which is the first of its kind in the country, also criminalizes the sale and display of symbols associated with designated terror groups, including Nazis.
Violations of the law are punishable by up to 12 months in prison.
Antisemitic incidents have significantly increased in Australia, with more incidents reported in the three months since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war than the previous year.
Notable incidents include a group of protesters chanting “gas the Jews” in October, and a group of neo-Nazis performing a salute during a transgender rights protest in March.