The South Australian Government’s decision to ban Nazi symbols has been welcomed by the Adelaide Holocaust Museum and Steiner Education Centre. Source: The Southern Cross.
At the launch of the proposed legislation at the museum yesterday, Attorney-General Kyam Maher said the hatred and atrocities committed in Nazi Germany in World War II stood as a testament to what happens when “we are not vigilant about protecting diversity”.
He said a parliamentary committee had found a rise in extreme and hateful behaviour and the Government needed to make sure that people were aware it’s “just not on”.
The legislation would align the state with counterparts across the nation, with fines of up to $20,000 and up to one-year imprisonment for the public display of the Nazi symbol and salute.
Greg Adams, chair of AHMSEC, said the move emphasised the urgency of such measures.
“The surge in antisemitism and white nationalism over recent years has underscored the need for robust action,” Mr Adams said.
“The proposed laws are crucial in safeguarding the security and well-being of the Jewish community.”
Mr Adams referred to an incident last year when four people took photos of themselves giving the Nazi salute outside the museum and the placing of antisemitic stickers on the museum building, which is owned by the Catholic Archdiocese of Adelaide.
Holocaust survivor Andrew Steiner also commended the Government for its commitment to tackling the issue but added that interfaith relations and education were most important. He thanked the Archdiocese for its support of AHMSEC and said there were plans to expand the museum next year.
AHMSEC is hosting a visiting exhibition, The Life Story of Anne Frank, which contains historical information that allows visitors to identify with her story of living in the Netherlands under Nazi occupation.
FULL STORY
Proposed antisemitic laws welcomed (By Jenny Brinkworth, The Southern Cross)
