New hate symbol law to ban public displays of Nazi salute and symbols now in force in SA

A ban on public displays of an abhorrent act is now in force in SA with stiff penalties in place.

Tough new laws to stamp out public displays of the Nazi salute and Nazi symbols are now in force in SA.

The new laws – which passed state parliament in June – came into effect on Monday, and people found publicly displaying the Nazi swastika or performing a Nazi salute could be fined up to $20,000 or sent to jail for up to a year.

SA Attorney-General said Kyam Maher said the laws sent a clear message that neo-Nazi behaviour would not be tolerated in South Australia.

Attorney-General said Kyam Maher said the laws sent a clear message that neo-Nazi behaviour would not be tolerated. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Naomi Jellicoe

“South Australia has a proud reputation as an inclusive state that embraces multiculturalism and diversity,” he said.

“The abhorrent ideology espoused by the neo-Nazi movement has no place here.

“These new laws give authorities the clear powers to act when these vile and hateful symbols are displayed.

“We will not stand for this kind of intolerance, and these laws will help better protect our community from this abhorrent behaviour.”

The laws bring South Australia in line with other Australian jurisdictions, with most already having legislated some form of ban

The government confirmed defences existed for innocent uses – such as good faith use for academic, educational or artistic purposes, as well as religious purposes, where the swastika has long been used by Buddhist, Hindu and Jain faiths as a religious symbol of peace.