Victoria Bans Face Masks in Protests and Extremist Flags in New Anti-Hate Legislation

Police at the scene of a fire at the Adass Israel Synagogue in Ripponlea, Melbourne, Australia on Dec. 6, 2024. AAP Image/Con Chronis

The Victorian government has taken a strong stance against anti-Semitism and violent protests by banning flags and symbols associated with terrorist groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and some extremist right-wing groups.

New laws will also prohibit face masks and balaclavas at protests, targeting individuals who use them to conceal their identities and avoid law enforcement measures, including capsicum spray and other crowd control tactics.

“The days of hiding behind masks to stir up hate are over,” said Premier Jacinta Allan as she announced the reforms.

“There should be no place to hide in this state if you’re inciting racism or violence on our streets.”

The new legislation will also address the use of dangerous devices like glue, rope, chains, and locks, which protesters often employ to cause maximum disruption and endanger public safety.

These measures were introduced following concerns from police, who have expressed difficulty in holding perpetrators accountable when such devices are used.

Protecting Places of Worship

Reflecting on the recent firebombing of a synagogue in Melbourne, Allan said the government is also focusing on protecting religious institutions, which have increasingly been targeted in protests.

It aims to ensure the right of Victorians to gather and pray freely, without the fear of harassment, intimidation, or violence from protesters.

“This is about defending the right for people of all faiths to live freely and peacefully in our multicultural society,” the Premier said.

“We will also legislate to prevent disturbances at places of worship such as synagogues, temples, churches, mosques, and gurdwaras.”

Allan reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fighting anti-Semitism and all forms of hate.

“Anti-Semitism is a cancer, and we must leave no stone unturned in our fight against it,” she said.

The new laws build on existing measures, including the ban on Nazi symbols, mandatory Holocaust education, and the introduction of anti-racism strategies.

“Racism, anti-Semitism, and hate in all forms have no place in Victoria,” Allan said. “We will continue to support a strong, united, and cohesive multicultural society.”

Following the rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia after the Oct. 7 attack and the Israel-Hamas conflict, Allan urged Victorians to focus on their own state.

“This is not about the Middle East; this is about Victoria. It’s about our values and ensuring that everyone in this state can live, work, and pray freely without fear of intimidation or violence,” she said.

The new laws will complement existing anti-vilification measures, following calls from the Jewish Community Council of Victoria for stronger legislation to curb harmful, intimidating, and disruptive protests.

Coalition Criticises Delay

Federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton expressed his confusion over the delayed response from the Allan government to what he called “reasonable requests” from Jewish communities.

Dutton argued that the rise in anti-Semitic incidents was the result of the actions—or lack thereof—by Premier Allan and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese over the past 14 months.

“If you allow these lunatics to continue their protests on university campuses, spewing hatred and affiliating with a listed terrorist organisation without consequence, it’s no surprise that we’ve seen outcomes like the recent firebombing of a synagogue,” he said.

He criticised the Victorian government’s slow action.

“Now, the premier says she needs to do something about it. Of course, she does—but she should have acted 14 months ago,” she said.

Supporting Multiculturalism and Social Cohesion

In addition to these legislative measures, the government will introduce a social cohesion pledge for multicultural organisations seeking government funding.

This pledge will focus on fostering unity, tolerance, and respect within Victoria’s diverse communities.

The government is also prioritising the revival of multi-faith dialogue in Victoria, which had been dormant due to the ongoing conflicts overseas.

“This dialogue is essential for building understanding and ensuring that our multicultural community continues to thrive,” said Allan.

Further, to ensure the state’s multicultural policies and institutions are well-equipped to address emerging challenges, the government will establish a targeted advisory group led by George Le Carcass, a former chair of the Victorian Multicultural Commission.

This group will work to ensure the state’s systems remain responsive to the community’s needs.

The premier also announced the creation of a new working group designed to address local issues and ensure quick and effective responses to emerging concerns.

This group will consist of representatives from government departments, councils, and community organisations, ensuring that religious and cultural community concerns are heard and addressed.