Far-Right Politician Sparks Outrage with Burqa Stunt in Australian Parliament
Pauline Hanson, a prominent far-right Australian politician, ignited controversy by wearing a burqa in the Senate. This provocative act aimed to spotlight her ongoing efforts to ban the traditional Muslim garment in public spaces. The incident occurred on November 24, 2025, as she attempted to introduce legislation addressing face coverings.
Background of the Controversy
Hanson is the leader of the anti-immigration One Nation party. Her party has gained traction recently, doubling its Senate representation after the May general election, now holding four seats. She has been vocal about her opposition to multiculturalism since her rise to prominence in the 1990s, particularly opposing immigration from Asia.
Reactions from Lawmakers
Hanson’s stunt drew immediate backlash. Several lawmakers criticized her for racism and Islamophobia.
- Senator Mehreen Faruqi, the first Muslim elected to Australia’s upper chamber, condemned her actions as “blatant racism.”
- Independent Senator Fatima Payman described the stunt as “disgraceful” and disrespectful to Muslim Australians.
- Penny Wong, leader of the Labour government in the Senate, labeled Hanson’s behavior as unworthy of a senator and called for her suspension.
The Purpose Behind the Stunt
This was not Hanson’s first attempt to utilize a burqa as a prop. In 2017, she similarly donned the garment in Parliament to promote her campaign against its public use. After the recent incident, Hanson defended her actions on Facebook, claiming to highlight the mistreatment of women and national security risks associated with the garment.
Conclusion
Hanson’s intentions reflect a broader agenda opposing multiculturalism and immigration. Her actions, however, continue to provoke fierce debate regarding racism and the future of cultural expression in Australia.
