Australia’s Coalition Proposes Jail Terms for Flag Burning and Memorial Damage

Australia’s opposition Coalition proposed federal offences covering serious public desecration of the national flag and deliberate damage to war memorials and other significant historical sites. Flag desecration that recklessly incites hatred or violence, threatens public order or causes a public disturbance would carry up to 12 months in prison. The plan would also enshrine January 26 as Australia Day and require a national plebiscite before changing the date. Opposition Leader Angus Taylor denied the policy was aimed at One Nation, while Labor assistant minister Matt Thistlethwaite said it could restrict freedom of speech.