Israel Praises Australia’s New Mandatory Minimum Sentences for Hate Crimes

Australia has just passed its toughest anti-hate laws amid soaring anti-Semitism, but one legal group argues the move takes autonomy away from judges.

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 Israel Foreign Ministry has welcomed the delivery of the toughest laws Australia has ever had against hate crimes.

The Criminal Code Amendment (Hate Crimes) Bill 2024 will introduce mandatory minimum jail sentences of one year for offences including displaying Nazi or terrorist symbols, three years for financing terrorism, and six years for other terrorism offences.