The Australian state of Victoria has become the first in Australia to outlaw Nazi swastika imagery under threat of imprisonment, news.com.au reported Wednesday.

According to its data, a violation of the law passed in the state faces up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to 22,000 Australian dollars (about $15,000)

The law, which was proposed last year and will take effect in six months, bans swastika imagery in public places except for use for religious purposes, including by Buddhists and Hindus. In those religions, the swastika is a sacred symbol of peace and good luck.

However, as the Victorian prosecutor's office explained, it's not a question of allowing swastika images to be worn on T-shirts, for example.

As previously reported, laws banning Nazi symbols are also planned in Australia in the states of New South Wales and Queensland.