The government of Victoria, Australia, has proposed new legislation to curb rising antisemitism and ensure safety around religious sites. Premier Jacinta Allan announced these new measures following recent incidents, including an arson attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne and a protest that trapped worshippers in a Sydney synagogue. Allan described the incidents as "menacing behavior" and emphasized the need to combat antisemitism, which she called "a cancer."
The proposed laws would create safe access zones around places of worship and ban protests that could intimidate or harass worshippers. They also seek to prohibit the display of flags or symbols linked to groups designated as terrorist organizations by Australia. To enhance security, the laws aim to restrict the use of face masks intended to conceal identities during protests.
This legislative initiative is part of broader efforts to address antisemitism and social division, particularly as Australia becomes more multicultural. The latest census reports that individuals born overseas or with a parent born overseas are now in the majority. In response to increasing antisemitic acts, including a federal ban on Nazi symbols and a reinforced focus on social cohesion, these new measures reflect Australia's commitment to fostering a diverse and unified society. The state legislature will vote on this proposal early next year. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
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