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Australian State To Ban Nazi Hakenkreuz; No Prohibition On Use Of Sacred 'Swastika' By Hindus, Buddhists And Jains
Left-Swastika, Right-Hitler's Hakenkreuz
Australian state of Victoria is set to ban the public display of the Nazi Hakenkreuz (hooked cross).
On Wednesday (11 May), the Victorian government introduced a bill in the state Parliament that proposes to ban the intentional public displays of the Nazi symbol across the state.
The legislation titled 'Summary Offences Amendment (Nazi Symbol Prohibition) Bill' is expected to pass both houses of the Victoria's Parliament with bi-partisan support, reports Sydney Morning Herald.
The law only applies to the Nazi Hakenkreuz and does not prohibit the use of Swastika by Hindus, Buddhists and Jains.
After the passage of the bill, Victoria will be the first state in Australia to criminalise the display of the Nazi hate symbol. The law will enable police to remove and confiscate items that breach the ban.
“We know that this is a symbol of hate and division, and it is incredibly harmful and damaging, the messaging it sends,” Victoria's Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes was quoted in the SMH report as saying.
“Victoria is multicultural. We are multi-ethnic. We do not want a community that stands for this type of behaviour," she added.
Symes said the Swastika used by the Buddhist, Hindu and Jain communities was an ancient and sacred symbol of peace and good fortune and would not be outlawed.
The Nazi Hakenkreuz is often, albeit incorrectly, referred to as 'Swastika'- an auspicious symbol held sacred by Dharmic religions including Hindus, Buddhists and Jains.
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