In 2017, Pauline Hanson already wore a burqa in the Senate to highlight what she saw as security concerns posed by clothing worn by Muslim women, which she linked to terrorism.
A controversial move. Far-right senator Pauline Hanson wore a burqa in Australia’s Parliament on Monday, an act condemned as “racist” and “disrespectful” by other MPs.
Pauline Hanson, a member of the anti-immigration One Nation party, which has four seats in Parliament, is seeking to introduce legislation to the Senate banning the veil in Australia. Lawmakers prevented him from doing so. A few minutes later, Pauline Hanson returned wearing a black burqa and sat down, sparking the anger of her colleagues.
The move is a “middle finger to people of faith”, criticized Larissa Waters, leader of the Australian Green Party (left) in the Senate. “This is very racist and dangerous,” he added.
Not the first
Foreign Minister Penny Wong called it “disrespectful”. “We represent people of all faiths and backgrounds in our state. And we must do so with dignity,” he said.
Pauline Hanson refused to remove the burqa and the Senate session was suspended. This is the second time she has worn the veil at the institution. In 2017, she wore a burqa in the Senate to highlight what she saw as security concerns posed by clothing worn by Muslim women, which she linked to terrorism.
Pauline Hanson describes Islam as “a culture and ideology that is incompatible with ours”. His right-wing party is gaining popularity, achieving 18% positive opinion, according to an Australian Financial Review poll published in November. In September, a government official said Australia was failing to combat growing Islamophobia.
