Australian Senator Pauline Hanson Condemned for Wearing Burka in Parliament
CANBERRA – Australian Senator Pauline Hanson sparked outrage and condemnation after entering Parliament House wearing a burka on Monday, prompting calls for her suspension and reigniting debate over religious garments and immigration. The stunt occurred shortly after her attempt to introduce a bill was blocked by fellow lawmakers.
The incident underscores a long history of controversial statements by Hanson regarding immigration and multiculturalism in Australia. Her actions drew immediate criticism from across the political spectrum, wiht opponents labeling the move as deliberately provocative and racist. The event comes as Australia continues to grapple with issues of religious freedom, national identity, and the integration of diverse communities.
Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi, a Muslim representative from New South Wales, denounced Hanson’s actions as “blatant racism,” while independent Senator Fatima Payman from Western australia called it a “disgraceful” stunt. Foreign Minister Penny wong, the goverment leader in the Senate, stated the act was “disrespectful,” emphasizing the importance of representing all constituents ”decently.”
Hanson responded to the criticism with a Facebook post stating, “If they don’t want me wearing it – ban the burka.” This is not the first time Hanson has used the garment to make a political point; she wore a burka to Parliament in 2017, also advocating for a national ban at that time.
Senator Wong moved a motion to suspend Hanson for refusing to remove the burka, arguing she was “not worthy of a member of the Australian Senate.” The incident adds to a pattern of controversial behaviour from Hanson, who in 2016 faced criticism for her maiden speech to the Senate, in which she claimed Australia was being “swamped by muslims.” This echoed similar sentiments expressed in a 1996 speech where she warned the country was in danger of being “swamped by Asians.”
