Australia to ban Nazi symbols in bid to curb far right
Al JazeeraJun 02, 2023
Australian Law Takes Effect Banning Nazi Gestures and Symbols
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Image copyright: Wikimedia Commons
The Facts
New Australian laws banning the Nazi salute, as well as the display or sale of symbols associated with identified terror groups, came into effect in the nation on Monday.
The law criminalizes the sale and display of Nazi symbols, including the swastika and the lightning bolt insignia of the SS (Schutzstaffel). It was initially introduced in June as a proposal to ban only symbols, but was amended in November to include the Nazi salute.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Australia has sent a clear message against hateful and antisemitic symbols and displays. Antisemitism, which had long been bubbling under the surface of Australian society, was brought to a new level of active aggression following Hamas’ attack on Israel. The memory of the Holocaust serves as a painful reminder of the evil that has plagued Western countries, and modern governments must do everything possible to remind the world that such hatred and genocide must never happen again. Australia's new law is a major victory in that direction.
Establishment-critical narrative
Australia is being hypocritical — the country purports to value individual liberty yet is outlawing free speech, which requires that even the most reprehensible ideas may be expressed. Laws banning certain speech will inevitably be expanded to encompass any sentiment that defies the status quo. In any case, does anyone really think the Third Reich is coming back to take over Australia? This is just the government virtue signalling even as it chips away at people’s freedoms.
