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Virginia statute

Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-423.1 — Placing Nazi symbol or emblem on certain property with intent to intimidate; penalty; prima facie evidence of intent

Current through 2026 Regular Session

Part of Article 5: Activities Tending to Cause Violence, Code of Virginia.

Criminal charges under this statute

Full text of Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-423.1

Statutory text current through the 2026 Regular Session. This publication reproduces the text of the Code of Virginia from the official Virginia Law Portal API published by the Virginia General Assembly's Division of Legislative Automated Systems; it is not the official Code of Virginia.

Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-423.1Primary source, current through the 2026 Regular Session
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.

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Legal terms used in this section

Questions this section answers

Is placing Nazi symbol or emblem on certain property with intent to intimidate a felony or a misdemeanor in Virginia?

Placing Nazi symbol or emblem on certain property with intent to intimidate is a class 6 felony in Virginia under Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-423.1.

Which Virginia statute covers placing Nazi symbol or emblem on certain property with intent to intimidate?

Placing Nazi symbol or emblem on certain property with intent to intimidate is governed by Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-423.1 (Placing Nazi symbol or emblem on certain property with intent to intimidate; penalty; prima facie evidence of intent).

This reference is informational and is not legal advice.