The Victorian state government has proposed new legislation to combat rising antisemitism, including a ban on protests outside places of worship. This initiative follows recent incidents, such as the firebombing of a Melbourne synagogue and protesters trapping worshippers inside a Sydney synagogue.
Premier Jacinta Allan emphasized the need to protect individuals’ rights to gather and pray without fear, harassment, or intimidation. The proposed laws aim to establish safe access zones around places of worship and prohibit disturbances during religious gatherings.
Key components of the proposed legislation include:
- Ban on Protests at Places of Worship: Establishing safe access areas to prevent protests that could intimidate or harass worshippers.
- Prohibition of Terrorist Symbols: Banning the display of flags and symbols associated with groups listed as terrorist organizations.
- Restriction on Concealing Identity: Prohibiting the use of face masks by protesters to conceal identities, thereby enhancing accountability.
These measures are part of a broader effort to address antisemitism and promote social cohesion within Victoria’s multicultural community. The legislation is expected to be presented to the state legislature early next year.
Jewish organizations have welcomed the proposed laws, viewing them as a strong stance against hate and terrorism. However, some groups, such as the Australian Palestine Advocacy Network, have criticized the measures as an assault on civil liberties, expressing concerns that they may specifically target pro-Palestinian activism.
The federal government has also taken steps to address rising antisemitism, including banning Nazi symbols and appointing special envoys to combat antisemitism and Islamophobia.