Pauline Hanson has sparked widespread condemnation after entering the Senate wearing a burqa, repeating a stunt that was heavily criticised in 2017. The One Nation leader sought to revive her push for a nationwide burqa ban on national security grounds despite being unable to cite a single security incident linked to the garment.
Australia’s special envoy for Islamophobia warned the move could heighten safety risks for Muslim women who wear the hijab or burqa, saying the stunt “deepens existing threats” against them.
Hanson was ordered to leave the chamber on Monday after refusing to remove the burqa, prompting the temporary suspension of Senate proceedings. Senators from all parties rebuked the act, with Nationals senator Matt Canavan saying it “debased” parliament and mocked Muslim Australians.
Independent senator Lidia Thorpe repeatedly interjected and demanded Hanson’s expulsion, while fellow independent Fatima Payman, who wears a hijab, accused Hanson of “disrespecting a faith and disrespecting Muslim Australians.”
“This is disgraceful,” Payman said. “It must be dealt with immediately.”
Greens leader Larissa Waters called the stunt an “insult,” and Labour Senate leader Penny Wong said Hanson’s conduct was “not worthy” of the parliament. Liberal Senate leader Anne Ruston also criticised the behaviour, saying, “This is not how you address this chamber.”
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