The Australian Senate was thrown into turmoil after the leader of the right-wing One Nation party, Pauline Hanson, entered the chamber wearing a black burqa in a provocative political demonstration.
A Calculated Protest
The 71-year-old senator's controversial act came just minutes after fellow lawmakers blocked her from introducing a bill that would ban full face coverings in Australia. Ms Hanson, who has campaigned on this issue for decades, immediately left the chamber and returned wearing the Islamic garment paired with a floral dress that cut off above the knee.
Speaking to Andrew Bolt on Sky News Australia, Ms Hanson defended her actions, stating: "My concern is, as a nation, for national security - terrorist threats and attacks are happening." She further justified her position by citing women's rights, claiming she wanted to prevent women from being forced to wear the full burqa against their will.
Furious Backlash and Accusations of Racism
The political stunt triggered immediate condemnation from other senators. Mehreen Faruqi, a Greens senator from New South Wales, did not mince words, declaring: "This is a racist senator, displaying blatant racism."
Fatima Payman, an independent senator from Western Australia who wears a hijab, branded the display "disgraceful," adding that Ms Hanson was disrespecting both a faith and Muslim Australians. Penny Wong, leader of Australia's Labor government in the Senate, moved a motion to suspend Ms Hanson for refusing to remove the burqa, stating the behaviour was "not worthy of a member of the Australian Senate."
Hanson's Defence and Future Intentions
Unrepentant, Ms Hanson took to social media to reiterate her stance, writing: "Despite the ban in 24 countries across the world (including Islamic countries), the hypocrites in our parliament have rejected my Bill." She vowed to continue wearing the burqa until it is banned, describing it as an "oppressive, radical, non-religious head garb."
This incident marks the second time Ms Hanson has worn the garment in parliament, having previously done so in 2017. She was ultimately suspended from the Senate following her refusal to leave the chamber after donning the burqa, with proceedings being temporarily halted.
