Shule protests, symbols, masks to be banned
Long-awaited measures against rampant antisemitism in Victoria have been welcomed by Jewish organisations.
Jewish groups have welcomed a long-anticipated package of reforms targeting rampant antisemitism and extremism in Victoria, which were announced by Premier Jacinta Allan today (Tuesday).
Facing media, the Premier unveiled the changes, including the banning of flags and symbols of terrorist groups, enhanced police powers at demonstrations and a ban on activism near places of worship.
Flanked by Police Minister Anthony Carbines and Multicultural Affairs Minister Ingrid Stitt in the CBD – the scene of much of the extremist activity over the past 14 months – Allan stated, “The recent protests outside Caulfield Shule and the Great Synagogue of Sydney – and last year’s rally outside Central Shule resulting in a mass evacuation of the congregation – were menacing.
“They affected the right of Victorians to gather and practice their faith in peace. Regardless of your views on the conflict in the Middle East, places of worship should simply be off-limits in Victoria’s multicultural society.”
Allan said the ban on extremist flags and symbols would give Victoria Police more powers and fill any gaps in Commonwealth anti-terror legislation. Face masks at protests, which conceal identities and shield agitators from capsicum spray, will be prohibited, as will attachment devices.
She said her government would consult with the federal government to ban the public display of flags and symbols of listed terrorist organisations include Hamas, Hezbollah and others, including white nationalist extremist. The Victorian ban will expand Commonwealth law which prohibits the display of these symbols for incitement.
At a media conference in front of the heavily fire-damaged Adass Israel synagogue in Ripponlea, Jewish Community Council of Victoria CEO Naomi Levin welcomed the state government package.
“It shows the premier has really committed to listening to our community and what we’ve been calling for in terms of measures to keep us safe. But this isn’t just about the Jewish community. This is about all Australians … We don’t want to see a society where places of worship come under attack from terrorists.
“We have been having these conversations with government for a long time. It is obviously really regrettable that it took such an extreme and dangerous event and devastating for our community for these changes to come about, but we’re cautiously optimistic that with the introduction of these reforms announced today, Melbourne and Victoria will be a safer place for us all to live.”
Levin noted many Jews feel unsafe and avoid central Melbourne on Sundays, when most of the weekly activist events take place.
Asked by The AJN why, in her view, the government had only taken these measures some 14 months after the explosion of antisemitism in the wake of the Hamas attacks, Levin said, “That is a question that you’ll have to ask the government. “
Describing the reforms as “an important step to address the Jew-hatred that has exploded in Victoria”, Zionist Federation of Australia president Jeremy Leibler said they will “not only help to make Victoria safer and more welcoming for Jewish people, but for all Victorians … These reforms are not about curtailing freedom of speech; they’re about curtailing hate speech.”
Thanking the government “for listening and acting”, Zionism Victoria president Elyse Schachna said, “Victorians have had enough of their city being overtaken by often hostile and aggressive protesters.
“People who want to protest about an issue should do so without their faces covered by a mask; this promotes transparency and accountability and ensures that individuals stand by their actions and words.”
Macnamara MP Josh Burns noted, “Everyone has a right to protest, but let’s be clear, that right does not extend to threats to violence, intimidation or glorification of terrorism.
“I have been working closely with the Victorian government on protecting places of worship. This is about ensuring everyone is free to practice their faith safely and free from vilification and harassment.”
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