The public display, distribution or publication of hate symbols has been outlawed in Queensland after laws passed state parliament.
The laws make it an offence for a person to publish hate symbols that cause a member of the public to feel menaced, harassed or offended, unless the person has a reasonable excuse.
It also encapsulates public display of tattoos and publishing prohibited symbols online.
The reforms were triggered by four recommendations made by a parliamentary committee in 2022 and are designed to protect Queenslanders from symbols that represent an extreme ideology or prejudice against religion, gender or ethnicity.
Individuals found to have been motivated by hatred or serious contempt based on race, religion, sexuality, sex characteristics or gender identity could face imprisonment.
The state Labor government is yet to identify which specific hate symbols will be criminalised and will consult with police, Queensland's human rights commissioner and the Crime and Corruption Commission.
Attorney-General Yvette D'Ath said there was no place for serious vilification and hate crimes in Queensland.
“The effects are corrosive, eroding trust and depriving individuals of their safety and sense of belonging," she said in a statement.
"These reforms have been developed in careful consideration with key multicultural and legal groups and is among the toughest in the country.
"It is our hope that this new legislation will encourage members of our community to report hate and serious vilification, because they will have greater confidence that perpetrators will be held to account."
The laws received opposition and crossbench support, with the Queensland Greens citing a "concerning rise" in visible fascist, transphobic, misogynistic and far-right hate in recent years.
Government minister Leanne Linard said the committee's initial inquiry attracted over 80 written submissions.
She thanked an extensive list of religious groups and stakeholders for their courage to contribute to the reforms.
"These laws will not only protect our multicultural community, but also our LGBTQ+ community too, and I acknowledge the many stakeholders and advocates who have equally called for these reforms from their community," Ms Linard said.
A provision for reasonable excuse to the new offence exists for genuine artistic, religious, educational, historical, legal or law enforcement purposes.
