Thugs perform Nazi salutes on the steps of Victorian Parliament
The neo-Nazis shouted anti-trans slurs as they performed the Nazi salutes, according to reports
A group of neo-Nazis performed Nazi salutes in shocking scenes on the steps of the Victorian parliament on Saturday.
The National Socialist Movement members marched along Spring street before they joined anti-trans rights protesters who were there in support of visiting British activist Kellie-Jay Keen-Minshull. Pro-trans rights activists were demonstrating against Keen-Minshull and some clashes erupted between the groups.
The neo-Nazis shouted anti-trans slurs as they performed the Nazi salutes, according to reports.
“The thugs that stood outside Parliament today are peddling hate and bigotry,” Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV) president Daniel Aghion said.
“There is no place for them or their vile ideology in Victoria.”
He said the JCCV “will never give up the fight” against racism, discrimination and antisemitism.
“Our community will not be intimidated or cowered by this pathetic group,” he said.
“We will redouble our efforts to combat antisemitism and continue our work with the Victorian Government, Victoria Police and all those who choose to stand on the side of community harmony.”
In a joint statement, Caulfield MP David Southwick and shadow minister for police Brad Battin called the incident “an affront to every Victorian who values our inclusive, tolerant and multicultural society”.
“The behaviour today by neo-Nazis are a deliberate attempt to incite hatred and violence and are nothing short of sickening,” they said.
“These shameful individuals and the hateful ideology they push have no place in our state and must never be tolerates. Victoria is better than this.”
Federal Macnamara MP Josh Burns called the “ugly alliance” between the anti-trans activists and neo-Nazis “extremely confronting”.
“Both groups seek to bully and blame minority groups in their dark ideology. Scapegoating minorities is their business model, and it has no place in Australia,” he said.
“The brazen marching with neo-Nazi salutes in front of the Victorian Parliament is unacceptable. This is a time for us to consider whether tougher laws are needed.”
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