STICKS & STONES WILL BREAK YOUR BONES, BUT

Is there a law in Australia that bans the public display of the Nazi symbol?  

Would this shopkeeper in Vietnam 🇻🇳 be jailed if he operated this shop in Australia? 

 Answer from Google AI

Yes, Australia bans the public display of the Nazi Hakenkreuz (hooked cross), but federal and state laws explicitly protect the genuine use of the sacred swastika used in Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain traditions. 
 
The Law and the Ban

Federal and State Bans: Australia’s federal Criminal Code and individual states ban the public display of Nazi symbols and gestures. Violating these laws can lead to heavy fines or jail time. 

The Religious Exemption: The legislation recognizes that the ancient swastika is a sacred symbol of peace and good fortune in Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism. 

Protected Uses: The law does not capture or penalize the public display of the symbol for genuine religious, cultural, academic, educational, or artistic purposes. 
 
If you'd like, I can provide:

Details on the penalties in a specific Australian state

More information on the history of the symbol
 
 
Vic Gov
 

Fact sheet: Ban of Nazi symbols and gestures | vic.gov.au

Oct 21, 2023 — These laws commenced on 21 October 2023. It is already a criminal offence to display the Hakenkreuz (twisted or hooked cross) – the most widely known symbol use...
 
Attorney-General's Department
 

Prohibited symbols offences 

The Criminal Code of Australia includes offences for displaying certain symbols and making the Nazi salute. Prohibited symbols include: * **Nazi symbols** * The...
 
Victoria Legal Aid
 

The ban on Nazi symbols and gestures in Victoria
Feb 5, 2026 — When can the symbol be displayed? The Hakenkreuz and the Nazi salute are the most widely recognised symbol and gesture used by the Nazi Party. Other symbols use...
 
Australian National Security
 

Prohibited hate symbols - Australian National Security

May 28, 2026 — It is important to acknowledge that there are some symbols which have been misappropriated by the Nazi party, terrorist organisations, prohibited hate groups or...
 
www.agd.sa.gov.au
 

Nazi symbols ban commences - Attorney-General's Department

A ban on public displays of the Nazi salute and Nazi symbols has now commenced, sending a clear message that Neo-Nazi behaviour will not be tolerated in South Australia