“One of the most concerning aspects of these surveys is the growing number of young people – mostly young men – who are becoming radicalized,” the agency said last year.
New The law, which takes effect in six months, has punitive measures that could include a prison sentence of up to 12 months, a fine of up to about $15,000, or both. State lawmakers held a hearing last week in which expert witnesses largely agreed on the need to deter extremism, though rights groups such as Liberty Victoria warned that the law should not infringe freedom of expression.
“The Nazi symbol glorifies one of the most heinous ideologies in history – its public display only causes more pain and division,” said state Attorney General Jaclyn Symes.
While a majority of Australians are of European descent, the Asian population is growing rapidly. Immigration has also made it one of the most multicultural countries in the Western world.
Legislators from the other five Australian states — New South Wales, queensland, southern australiaTasmania and Western Australia – have proposed restrictions on the public display of the swastika. Several European countries, including Germany, also have restrictions on Nazi symbols.
“Australia has a long history of far-right activity, but it has certainly intensified in recent years,” said Charles Sturt University extremism scholar Levi J. West. “The pace has increased dramatically in the post-Christchurch period.”
The new law includes certain exceptions for religious and educational purposes. “Parliament recognizes the continued importance of the swastika as an ancient and auspicious symbol of purity, love, peace and good fortune in the Buddhist, Hindu, Jain and other religions,” the draft’s authors wrote. of law. The misuse of the swastika is an affront to those worshippers, they added.
