Tasmania has become the first state to ban the Nazi salute, with six months jail for repeat offenders, in a move hailed by Jewish leaders but criticised by some free speech advocates.
The landmark legislation, similar to that foreshadowed in Victoria amid a national debate on how to tackle Neo-Nazism, was passed by Tasmania’s upper house on Thursday night.
“Nazis will not have a refuge here in Tasmania, and this sends a very clear message that Nazi symbols and salutes are not welcome in Tasmania,” said Attorney-General Elise Archer.
“Following the disturbing use of the Nazi salute during a demonstration in Victoria earlier this year, I have also ensured our reform includes the prohibition of the use of the Nazi salute.
“Nazi displays are a blatant breach of both our moral and community standards, and I am very pleased we have delivered these reforms, which is the first of its kind in Australia, that will help us deliver a safer and more caring community for all.”
The legislation, which comes as the federal government moves to outlaw Nazi symbols nationally, was hailed by the Anti-Defamation Commission.
“There is a very important message here to the neo-Nazis and white supremacists that is very clear and unequivocal: the law is no longer on your side,” commission chair Dr Dvir Abramovich told local radio on Friday.
Read the article by Matthew Denholm in The Australian.