An incident in the Australian Senate on November 24, 2025, stirred significant controversy as far-right lawmaker Pauline Hanson donned a burqa during a parliamentary session. This action has incited strong reactions from fellow senators, who labeled her behavior as racist and disrespectful.
Details of the Senate Incident
Senator Hanson wore the burqa, a garment traditionally worn by some Muslim women, after her proposal to ban the item in public was denied. Her entrance into the chamber caused an uproar among lawmakers, leading to the suspension of Senate proceedings when she refused to remove the garment.
Reactions from Fellow Senators
Senators from various backgrounds expressed their outrage. Mehreen Faruqi, a Muslim senator from New South Wales, condemned the act as “blatant racism and Islamophobia.” Another Muslim senator, Fatima Payman from Western Australia, described Hanson’s actions as “disgraceful” and emphasized the disrespect shown towards Muslim Australians. Payman added that the act was “absolutely unconstitutional.”
Background on Pauline Hanson
This was not the first time Senator Hanson wore a burqa in Parliament. She had previously done so in 2017 when she advocated for a nationwide ban on the garment. Hanson’s statements and actions have come amid a growing shift towards anti-immigration sentiments in Australia, reflected in her party’s success in the recent elections, where One Nation gained additional seats.
Political Responses
The incident drew criticism across the political spectrum. Penny Wong, the leader of the Australian Senate’s center-left Labor government, remarked that such disrespect was unworthy of a senator. She highlighted the need for decorum and respect within the parliamentary proceedings.
Hanson’s Justification
In a Facebook post following the uproar, Hanson defended her choice to wear the burqa, stating it was a form of protest against her bill not being introduced. She called for public awareness regarding the implications of the proposed ban, challenging authorities by saying, “If they don’t want me wearing it — ban the burqa.”
Conclusion
The event highlights ongoing tensions in Australian society regarding immigration and cultural representation. Hanson’s actions have reignited debates about freedom of expression, religious attire, and the responsibilities of elected officials. As the country grapples with these issues, the reactions to Hanson’s display serve as a barometer for the current political climate.
