The Stunt and the Controversy
Senator Hanson donned the burqa shortly after she was denied permission to introduce legislation that aimed to outlaw the garment and other full-face coverings in public places across Australia. This move marked the second time the Senator has used the Muslim head covering in Parliament as part of her persistent push to ban its public wearing.
Accusations of Racism
The controversial act was immediately condemned by Muslim senators and others, who labeled the stunt as an act of racism and political grandstanding. Critics argue that using religious attire as a political tool is disrespectful and targets a specific minority group, fueling division rather than constructive debate.
The Push for a Ban
The Senator’s action highlights her unwavering stance against the public wearing of full-face coverings. Despite facing strong opposition and having her bill introduction denied, she continues to use shock tactics to draw attention to her proposed ban.
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Political experts believe this type of highly publicised stunt is designed less to pass legislation and more to capture media attention and energize a specific voter base. While the move certainly draws headlines, it risks increasing social tension and polarization, overshadowing any actual policy debate about public safety or integration.
The Senate erupted in anger as she walked into the chamber wearing the burqa, and proceedings were suspended when Hanson refused to remove it.
"This is a racist senator, displaying blatant racism," said Muslim Mehreen Faruqi, a Greens senator from the state of New South Wales.
Muslim Fatima Payman, an independent senator from the state of Western Australia, called the stunt "disgraceful".
Both Penny Wong, leader of Australia’s centre-left Labor government in the Senate, and Anne Ruston, deputy Senate leader for the opposition coalition, condemned Hanson's actions.
Wong called them "not worthy of a member of the Australian Senate" and moved a motion to suspend Hanson for failing to remove the garment. After Hanson refused to leave, Senate proceedings were suspended.
Hanson, a senator for Queensland, first rose to prominence in the 1990s because of her strident opposition to immigration from Asia and to asylum seekers, and has long campaigned against Islamic clothing during her parliamentary career.
She previously wore a burqa to parliament in 2017, also calling for a national ban at the time.
Hanson’s One Nation party has four seats in the Senate, gaining two in May's general election amid rising support for far-right anti-immigration policies.
In a statement later posted on Facebook, Hanson said her actions were in protest at the Senate rejecting her proposed bill.
"So if the Parliament won't ban it, I will display this oppressive, radical, non-religious head garb that risk our national security and the ill-treatment of women on the floor of our parliament so that every Australian knows what's at stake," Hanson said in the statement.
"If they don't want me wearing it - ban the burqa."
