Canberra, Australia – Senator Pauline Hanson, leader of the One Nation party, ignited a firestorm of controversy in the Australian Parliament today after entering the Senate chamber wearing a niqab. The move was immediately condemned by fellow senators as a disrespectful and potentially racist act.
The incident occurred shortly after Senator Hanson’s attempt to introduce a bill that would ban full-face coverings in public spaces was blocked. Hanson has been a vocal proponent of such a ban for years, citing security concerns and cultural incompatibility.
Witnesses reported that after her bill was rejected, Senator Hanson returned to the chamber wearing the niqab and took her seat, prompting immediate objections from across the political spectrum.
Senator Larissa Waters, leader of the Green party, described Hanson’s actions as a “mockery” and a “racist stunt.” Foreign Minister Penny Wong, who also leads the government in the Senate, echoed this sentiment, stating that the display was “disrespectful” to the institution and the diverse Australian population it represents.
“We enter this chamber with great privilege, representing people from all backgrounds and faiths,” Wong stated. “It is our duty to maintain a level of decorum and respect.”
Following Senator Hanson’s refusal to remove the niqab, the Senate session was temporarily suspended.
This is not the first time Senator Hanson has used the niqab to make a political statement. In 2017, she wore the garment in Parliament, claiming it was to highlight security concerns. At the time, she linked the niqab to terrorism and stated that Islam is a “culture and ideology incompatible with Australian society.” The incident has reignited the debate surrounding religious freedom and cultural sensitivity in Australia.
