Australian Senator Wears Burka in Parliament Following Bill Rejection
Senator Pauline Hanson of the One Nation party wore a burka in the Australian Parliament, drawing reactions from other lawmakers. This action occurred after the Senate rejected her proposed bill, which aimed to ban full face coverings in public. This marks the second time Senator Hanson has worn the garment, which covers the face and body, in Parliament; the first instance was in 2017 when she also advocated for a national ban.
Parliamentary Events
On Monday, after her bill was blocked from introduction, Senator Hanson returned to the Senate chamber wearing a black burka. Proceedings in the Senate were halted as she declined to remove the garment. She stated her actions were a protest against the Senate's decision regarding her bill.
Reactions from Other Senators
Several senators expressed criticism regarding Senator Hanson's action:
- Senator Mehreen Faruqi (Greens, New South Wales) stated, "This is a racist senator, displaying blatant racism."
- Senator Fatima Payman (Independent, Western Australia) referred to the event as "disgraceful."
- Foreign Minister Penny Wong, who serves as Leader of the Government in the Senate, described the action as "disrespectful." Wong added, "We represent in our states, people of every faith, of every faith of all backgrounds. And we should do so decently."
- Minister Wong also stated that Hanson was "not worthy of a member of the Australian Senate" and subsequently moved a motion to suspend Senator Hanson for her refusal to remove the garment.
Senator Hanson's Stance and Previous Statements
Senator Hanson communicated her position on Facebook, writing, "If they don't want me wearing it - ban the burka." She has consistently campaigned for a ban on full face coverings.
Historically, Senator Hanson made statements during her maiden speech to the Australian Senate in 2016, asserting that the country was being "swamped by Muslims." This followed a 1996 speech in which she stated the country was in danger of being "swamped by Asians."