Australian Senate Erupts After Far-Right Senator Wears Burka in Renewed Call for Ban
Australian Senate Erupts After Far-Right Senator Wears Burka in Renewed Call for Ban
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The Australian Senate descended into turmoil on Monday after far-right senator Pauline Hanson entered the chamber wearing a burka, reigniting controversy over her longstanding campaign to outlaw full-face coverings in public, IQNA reported.
Hanson donned the garment shortly after being denied permission to introduce a bill seeking a nationwide ban on burkas and similar attire. The appearance marked the second time she has used the burka as a political prop inside parliament.
Her entrance immediately triggered protests from senators across the chamber, and proceedings were suspended when she refused to remove the covering, according to SBS News.
Greens senator Mehreen Faruqi sharply criticized the stunt, calling Hanson “a racist senator displaying blatant racism.” Faruqi said that while senators may choose their attire, “racism should not be the choice of the Senate.”
Senator Fatima Payman also condemned the act, calling it “disgraceful” and “a shame.” She said Hanson’s move disrespected the Muslim faith and Australian Muslims, adding that it was “absolutely unconstitutional” and should be addressed before parliamentary business continued.
Senior figures from both major parties joined the backlash. Penny Wong, leader of the government in the Senate, said Hanson’s behavior was “not worthy of a member of the Australian Senate” and moved to suspend her after she refused to remove the burka. The sitting was adjourned when Hanson declined to comply.
Hanson, who leads the One Nation party and first rose to prominence in the 1990s, is known for her anti-immigration and anti-Muslim positions. She previously wore a burka in parliament in 2017 during an earlier push for a nationwide ban on Islamic face coverings.
One Nation currently holds four Senate seats, having gained two in the May election amid rising support for far-right, anti-immigration platforms.
