Australian Senator Wears Full Burka in Parliament – Sparks Fury & Racism Accusations
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson walks in wearing a black burka
Fellow senators call it “blatant racism” and “disgraceful stunt”
Senate proceedings halted in chaos
In a move that has shocked the nation, controversial Australian senator Pauline Hanson entered Parliament wearing a full black burka on Monday – deliberately staging a provocative protest to demand a nationwide ban on the Muslim face-covering garment.
The leader of the far-right One Nation party sat silently in the burka for several minutes before dramatically removing it while pushing for her long-standing bill to outlaw burkas and niqabs in public places.
“Blatant Racism” – Senators Slam Hanson
The stunt triggered immediate outrage across the Senate chamber:
– Mehreen Faruqi, Greens Senator (Australia’s first Muslim woman senator)
– Fatima Payman, Independent Senator (former Labor, Afghan-Australian)
– Penny Wong, Foreign Minister & Senate Government Leader
Senator Penny Wong moved to formally suspend Hanson for refusing to remove the garment, saying:
Why Did Pauline Hanson Wear a Burka?
Hanson has been campaigning for a national burka ban for years, claiming it is a security risk and incompatible with Australian values.
Just minutes before the incident, the Senate had blocked her attempt to introduce the ban bill. In direct response, she left the chamber and returned completely covered in a black burka – sitting among stunned colleagues until recognized to speak.
After removing the garment, she declared:
Later on Facebook, she doubled down: “The reaction today proves my point – if even Parliament finds it offensive, why allow it on our streets?”
Not Her First Time – 2017 Repeat
This is actually the second time Hanson has pulled this exact stunt:
- In 2017, she wore a burka into Parliament and called for a total ban
- That incident also caused national outrage and was condemned as Islamophobic
- Her party has repeatedly linked Muslim dress to terrorism and lack of integration
Hanson’s History of Controversial Statements
Pauline Hanson has built her political career on anti-immigration and anti-multiculturalism rhetoric:
- 1996 maiden speech: Warned Australia was in danger of being “swamped by Asians”
- 2016 return to Senate: Claimed the country was being “swamped by Muslims”
- Repeated calls to stop Muslim immigration and halal certification
Reactions Across Australia
The Muslim community and civil rights groups condemned the act as deeply offensive and divisive.
Many pointed out the irony: Hanson used the very garment she wants banned to mock Muslim women who choose to wear it for religious or cultural reasons.
Social media erupted with criticism:
- “This isn’t protest – this is hatred dressed up as politics”
- “Imagine mocking someone’s faith on the floor of Parliament”
- “Pauline Hanson just proved why we need stronger anti-racism laws”
What Happens Next?
While Hanson’s burka ban bill has almost no chance of passing (major parties oppose it), the incident has reignited national debate about:
- Freedom of religion vs public security
- Racism and Islamophobia in Australian politics
- The limits of parliamentary protest
Critics argue stunts like this only deepen division and stigmatize Muslim women who already face discrimination.
Final Word
Australia prides itself on being a successful multicultural nation – home to people of all faiths and backgrounds.
But when a senator uses Parliament to mock a minority’s religious dress, it raises serious questions about respect, decency, and leadership.
As Senator Penny Wong said: “We can disagree without being disagreeable. We can debate without disrespect.”
Most Australians – regardless of politics – agree: there are better ways to make a point than wearing someone else’s faith as a costume.
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