A rainbow pride flag has been vandalised with a Nazi swastika and NSN symbol, only days out from Mardi Gras..
The defaced ‘pride-themed’ banner was discovered on Monday morning at the North Sydney campus of Macquarie University and quickly attracted hundreds of comments online.
“To whomever tagged the banner with this bs… keep that s**t out of our campus,” the post read.
“This is a beautiful campus, and a safe space for everyone, f**king respect it.”
In the photo, the Macquarie University ‘be you, to the power of us’ motto is pictured partially covered by the Nazi symbol, with the NSN symbol graffitied underneath.
“What’s funny about the c**ts who go around tagging this stuff is that they are the ones calling everyone offended snowflakes yet they get so worked up over a rainbow,” one person commented underneath the post.
“I have no idea how it’s possible to agree or sympathise with Nazis and homophobic people. They both are so hateful it’s horrible to see,” a second replied.
It is understood the NSN acronym refers to the National Socialist Network, an Australian neo-Nazi group headed by self-appointed leader and convicted criminal Thomas Sewell. On Australia Day, 61 members of the group were cornered by police at a North Sydney train station as they attempted to travel into the city for a planned protest.
At this stage the group has no confirmed connection to the incident.
Macquarie University have been contacted by news.com.au and are preparing a response at the time of publication.
The shocking act has come only days out from this years’ Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade on Saturday March 2.
The upcoming celebration is the biggest event of the mardi gras festival, which runs from February 16 to March 3, and will feature more than 12,500 marches, 200 floats, and an estimated 250,000 spectators across Sydney’s Inner East.
“Police are aware of an alleged vandalism incident at a campus in Macquarie Park,” a police statement read.
“Officers attached to Ryde Police Area Command are making inquiries into the incident.”
As of August 2022, it is a criminal offence in New South Wales to knowingly display a Nazi symbol in public without a “reasonable excuse,” according to the Department of Communities and Justice.
The offence carries a maximum penalty of 12 months’ imprisonment or a $11,000 fine or both for an individual; or a fine of $55,000 for a corporation under the Crimes Amendment (Prohibition on Display of Nazi Symbols) Bill 2022.
At the time of it’s passing, former Attorney-General Mark Speakman said the new law – which effectively banned the display of Nazi symbols – marked a significant moment for the State.
“The events that occurred under the Nazi regime represent one of the darkest periods of recorded human history,” Mr Speakman said.
“This offence sends a clear message that the display of Nazi symbols, and the hatred and bigotry they represent will not, and should not, be tolerated.”
Macquarie University spokesperson.
A Macquarie University spokesperson said: “Macquarie University does not tolerate any unlawful form of discrimination, bullying or harassment. This includes anti-Semitism.
“All identified graffiti has been removed and our security teams are monitoring the campus to support a safe environment for all.
“The University has reported this incident to police and an investigation is underway.”
As inquiries continue, anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.