§ 18.2-423.1 Placing Nazi symbol or emblem on certain property with intent to intimidate; penalty; prima facie evidence of intent
A. It is unlawful for any person or persons, with the intent of intimidating another person or group of persons, to place or cause to be placed a Hakenkreuz, hooked cross, or Nazi symbol or emblem, sometimes referred to as the Nazi swastika, on (i) any church, synagogue, or other building or place used for religious worship; (ii) any school, educational facility, or community center owned or operated by a church or religious body; or (iii) the private property of another without permission.
B. It is unlawful for any person or persons, with the intent of intimidating another person or group of persons, to place or cause to be placed a Hakenkreuz, hooked cross, or Nazi symbol or emblem, sometimes referred to as the Nazi swastika, on a highway or other public place in a manner having a direct tendency to place another person in reasonable fear or apprehension of death or bodily injury.
C. A violation of this section is punishable as a Class 6 felony.
D. For the purposes of this section, any such placing of a Hakenkreuz, hooked cross, or Nazi symbol or emblem, sometimes referred to as the Nazi swastika, shall be prima facie evidence of an intent to intimidate another person or group of persons. However, these terms do not include and are distinct from the sacred swastika word and symbol of peace and prosperity used by Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Zoroastrianism, or Native American religions.
History
This law was first created in 1983. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 337 of that year’s edition of “Acts of Assembly,” the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. Unfortunately, the 1983 “Acts” aren’t available online. It has been modified 1 time. Those modifications are cataloged by “The Acts of Assembly,” a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly’s website will be linked accordingly. That modification is as follows: in 2025, chapter 673.
1983, c. 337; 2025, c. 673.