Victoria bans swastika

Melbourne: Victoria is poised to become the first Australian state or territory to ban the public display of the Nazi swastika in a ‘‘thunderous blow’’ to white supremacists.

The Victorian government yesterday introduced legislation into parliament banning intentional public displays of the symbol across the state.

The Summary Offences Amendment (Nazi Symbol Prohibition) Bill only applies to the Nazi swastika, also known as the Hakenkreuz.

There will be exemptions for historical, educational and artistic purposes, while memorabilia bearing the Nazi swastika could still be traded as long as the symbol was covered when on public display. — AAP