By: Evan Lu

The federal government will introduce a new Bill to parliament next week that will criminalize displays of the Nazi swastika* or symbols of the Schutzstaffel. This was announced on Wednesday by Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus.

According to Dreyfus, “The ban includes, but is not limited to, the trade and public display of flags, armbands, T-shirts, insignia and the publication of symbols online promoting Nazi ideology.” It will also make all selling or promoting of any goods that will ‘celebrate Nazis and all their evil ideology’ unlawful. If anyone is caught breaking the law, they may be charged with up to 12 months in prison.

This bill is the result of a six-year campaign from civil rights groups, including the Anti-Defamation Commission. This is what caused the proposed legislation to exist in the first place.

Anti-Defamation Council chair Dvir Abramovich said he has been campaigning for the bans for a long time. After the announcement of the ban, he shed “tears of joy”: “A terrible wrong has been made right, and anyone who loves this country will support this ban.” Several states, such as Victoria and Queensland, have introduced bills of some kind with a similar function: to ban hate symbols of this kind, as well as the promotion of such symbols.

But the ban was a point of protest, not just support. On Saturday, June 10th, police officers and protestors fought at an anti-immigration rally outside of Parliament House.