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About the Nazi symbol and gesture ban

Key information on the legislation

It is against the law to intentionally display a Nazi symbol or perform a Nazi gesture in public.

The Nazi Hakenkreuz has been banned in public since 29 December 2022.

The Hakenkreuz is the most widely known Nazi symbol. It has become a symbol of the Nazi Party and its heinous crimes against humanity.

The Victorian Government has expanded this ban to include other symbols and gestures used by the Nazi Party and its paramilitary organisations.

Displaying Nazi symbols or performing Nazi gestures in public can be harmful. The hatred that these symbols and gestures represent is not tolerated in Victoria’s multicultural and democratic society.

The exceptions for the cultural and historical significance of the Swastika to Hindu, Buddhist, Jain and other faith communities remain unchanged.

It is not against the law to publicly display the Swastika (which may be mistaken for the Nazi Hakenkreuz symbol) for genuine cultural or religious purposes.

About the Nazi symbol and gestures ban

What is the offence?

The ban on the Nazi symbol and gestures comes under the Summary Offences Amendment Act 1966.

Under this law, it is a criminal offence if:

  • you intentionally display the Nazi Hakenkreuz or perform a Nazi gesture in a public place or in public view
  • you know, or should know, that what you have displayed or performed is a Nazi symbol or gesture.

For more information visit Fact sheet: Ban of Nazi symbols and gestures.

Where can I find more information about the legislation?

Educational resources

Audio files

These audio file provides key information about the new legislation. You can download and share this across your social and online networks.

This audio message is available in a 30”, 45” and 90” format.

Nazi symbol legislation - audio files
zip 45.56 MB
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Animations

This explainer animation provides key information about the new legislation. You can download and share this across your social and online networks.

This explainer animation is available as a 30” animation, 45” animation and 90” animation.

Nazi symbol legislation - animations
zip 65.27 MB
(opens in a new window)

Social media tiles

These social media images and posts provide more information about the new legislation and can be used to encourage people to visit the website to find out more. You can download these to send via messaging apps, email, or share on social media.

There are four variations for you to choose from.

Nazi symbol legislation - social tiles
zip 4.97 MB
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Presentations

PowerPoint presentation - About the Nazi Hakenkreuz symbol ban
PPT 2.57 MB
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Poster - The public display of the sacred Swastika is not banned
PDF 58.5 KB
(opens in a new window)

Updated