Victoria is poised to become the first Australian state or territory to ban the public display of the Nazi swastika in what has been termed a “thunderous blow” to white supremacists.
The Victorian government introduced legislation into the state parliament on Wednesday banning intentional public displays of the symbol across the state.
The Summary Offences Amendment (Nazi Symbol Prohibition) Bill is expected to pass both houses with bipartisan support and only applies to the Nazi swastika, also known as the Hakenkreuz.
Religious versions of the symbol tied to the Hindu, Buddhist and Jain faiths will remain legal.
There will also be exemptions for historical, educational and artistic purposes, while memorabilia bearing the Nazi swastika can still be traded as long as the symbol is covered when on public display.
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