Australian state plans tougher laws against displaying extremist flags after Bondi shooting

Source: ABC News

The Australian state of New South Wales is proposing to ban public displays of Islamic State group flags or extremist symbols after a mass shooting driven by antisemitism killed 15 people at Sydney's Bondi Beach.

Under draft laws to be debated by the state Parliament, publicly displaying the IS flag or symbols from other extremist groups will be offenses punishable by up to two years in prison and fines.

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“Hate speech or incitement of hatred has no place in our society,” Minns said Saturday.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has pledged to introduce measures to curb radicalization and hate, including broadening the definition of hate speech offenses for preachers and leaders who promote violence, and toughening punishments for such crimes. The proposals would also designate some groups as hateful, and allow judges to consider hate as an aggravating factor in cases of online threats and harassment.

Read more: https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/australian-state-plans-tougher-laws-displaying-extremist-flags-128580980