Australia Passes Strict Hate Crime Laws with Mandatory Jail Time for Nazi Salutes

Australia has enacted strict new anti-hate crime laws, introducing mandatory minimum jail sentences for offences such as displaying Nazi salutes and committing terror-related hate crimes.

Sentences range from 12 months for public hate symbols to six years for terrorism-related offences.

The law, introduced to counter rising antisemitism, criminalizes threats or violence based on race, religion, gender, and identity.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, initially opposed to mandatory sentencing, supported the bill amid criticism from the opposition.

New South Wales will also strengthen its hate speech laws, aligning with Western Australia and Victoria to combat escalating antisemitic attacks.