Right-wing populist Senator Pauline Hanson triggered controversy in Australia’s Parliament by wearing a burqa after her bill to ban face coverings was blocked. The act sparked outrage from Muslim lawmakers and led to a suspension of proceedings as she refused to remove the garment. Both major political parties condemned the stunt, with Labor’s Penny Wong calling it ‘not worthy of a member of the Australian Senate.’
Hanson arrived at Parliament wearing the full-face covering shortly after being denied permission to introduce her bill seeking to ban burqas and other face coverings. The move prompted shouting across the chamber as senators demanded she remove the garment. Senate leaders eventually halted the session when she refused to do so. Leaders from both major parties condemned the stunt, with Penny Wong describing Hanson’s display as ‘not worthy of a member of the Australian Senate’ and moving to suspend her after she refused to comply with instructions to remove the covering.
Two Muslim senators condemned Hanson’s actions. Green party Senator Mehreen Faruqi denounced the move, stating it was ‘racist’ and ‘blatant racism.’ Independent Senator Fatima Payman similarly called the act ‘disgraceful’ and ‘shame.’ The incident marked the second time Hanson had worn a burqa inside Parliament. Her longstanding campaign against Islamic dress and criticism of Australia’s multicultural policies, which launched her political career in the 1990s, remain central to her political platform.
Following the uproar, Hanson released a statement on her verified Facebook page, defending her act as a form of protest against the rejection of her bill. She argued that more than 20 countries have implemented bans on the burqa due to concerns over national security, the oppression of women, and the promotion of radical Islam. Her statement emphasized that if Parliament would not ban the garment, she would demonstrate its dangers by wearing it in Parliament.
Hanson’s political career has been marked by a series of controversial stances, including her anti-immigration rhetoric and calls for stricter immigration controls. She has repeatedly criticized Australia’s multicultural policies, positions that helped establish her political prominence in the 1990s. Her One Nation party currently holds four Senate seats after gaining two in May’s national election, reflecting a broader surge in anti-immigration sentiment in Australia.
Despite her outlandish public displays, Hanson maintains a significant presence in Australian politics. Her defiance and rhetoric continue to draw both strong criticism and a dedicated following, further fueling public discourse on immigration, multiculturalism, and national identity in Australia.