In an unprecedented move that is divisive within and outside of Australia, Senator Pauline Hanson has once again stirred controversy by wearing a burka in the Australian Parliament. This came just after her anti-immigration party's attempted legislation to ban such garments was thwarted by fellow lawmakers.
Hanson, who represents Queensland and chairs the One Nation party, has a history of racism allegations. She previously wore a burka in parliamentary sessions back in 2017 to make similar points, which have been criticized as inflammatory and disrespectful.
On the latest occasion, during a Senate session, she refused to remove the burka despite multiple requests from fellow senators. Her stunt attracted a wave of condemnation. Mehreen Faruqi, a Greens senator of Muslim faith, condemned her as a 'racist senator' and insisted that such behavior has no place in a democratic society. Independent Senator Fatima Payman described the display as 'disgraceful,' while Foreign Minister Penny Wong labeled Hanson's actions as disrespectful to all Australians.
Hanson took to Facebook to stand by her protest, posting, 'If they don't want me wearing it - ban the burka,' reiterating her long-standing campaign against the wearing of full face coverage in public places.
The incident has revived discussions about racism targeting minority communities, particularly Muslims, in Australia and the implications of senators using parliamentary privilege to propagate their views. The attention drawn to this event reflects ongoing tensions around immigration and cultural integration in the country.
