Australia’s Senate has been thrown into controversy again as One Nation leader Pauline Hanson wore a burqa in the chamber, attempting to argue for a ban on Muslim face coverings on national security grounds. Hanson, however, failed to provide any evidence of security incidents related to the burqa. This act repeats her controversial stunt from 2017 and has once again drawn widespread criticism.
On Monday, Hanson refused to remove the burqa as ordered by the Senate, leading to her being ejected and causing the chamber to be suspended for over an hour. Nationals Senator Matt Canavan accused Hanson of “debasing” the parliament and “mocking” Australian Muslims. Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe repeatedly called for Hanson’s removal, while Muslim independent Senator Fatima Payman criticized her for “disrespecting faith and Australian Muslims.”
After being denied permission to introduce a private senator’s bill to ban the burqa, Hanson left the chamber but soon returned wearing the full black garment. She claimed wearing the burqa was a “national security issue,” comparing it to rules requiring head coverings to be removed in banks and other establishments, and said she was highlighting the risks to Australians.
Hanson was subsequently censured by the Senate and suspended for seven sitting days.