Article Author:
Associated Press
The bill must pass the Senate to become law.
Victoria, Australia's second most populous state, became the first Australian state to pass a law in June banning the public display of Nazi swastikas.
Queensland and Tasmania, along with half of Australia's eight states and territories, have similar laws, meaning most of Australia's population is prohibited from displaying Nazi symbols.
New South Wales Attorney General Mark Speakman told parliament on Tuesday that the Nazi swastika harmed community members, including Jewish believers, Said it hurt. In 2020, New South Wales Police received 31 reports of him flying a Nazi flag, including from a home near a synagogue in Sydney.
"Hateful and defamatory behavior is totally unacceptable in our community," Speakman said.
The use or display of Nazi flags or swastikas on Nazi memorabilia is prohibited by law.
The law permits the use of symbols for religious and educational purposes. The swastika in Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism and other faith communities has long been a sacred symbol.
Individuals faced 12 months' imprisonment or fines of AUD 11,000 ($7,670) for breaking the law, and businesses faced fines of AUD 55,000 ($38,350).
} Amendments to the law require that the law be reviewed within three and a half years after the law comes into force.
Victoria fined her 22,000 Australian dollars ($15,340) and her 12 months in prison for displaying a Nazi swastika.
