A controversial political stunt by far-right One Nation leader Senator Pauline Hanson has sparked widespread condemnation and outrage in the Australian Parliament, after she wore a burqa as a protest prop in the Senate chamber. The incident, which occurred on Monday, November 24, 2025, led to her suspension from the Senate and drew accusations of racism and Islamophobia.
Senator Hanson entered the Senate wearing a full black burqa, a move she claimed was a protest against the Senate’s recent refusal to allow a bill she proposed, aimed at banning full-face coverings in public spaces across Australia. Her appearance immediately brought parliamentary proceedings to a halt. When asked to remove the garment, she reportedly refused, escalating the tension in the chamber.
The provocative display was met with swift and severe criticism from across the political spectrum. Muslim Senators were particularly vocal in their condemnation. Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi labeled the act as “blatant racism and Islamophobia,” while Independent Senator Fatima Payman described it as “disgraceful,” highlighting the disrespect shown to Muslim communities.
Leaders from both the ruling Labor government and the Opposition coalition echoed these sentiments. Penny Wong, representing the government, and Anne Ruston from the Opposition, both condemned Senator Hanson’s actions as “disrespectful” and “unworthy of a member of the Australian Senate.”
Due to her continued refusal to remove theqa, the Senate was forced to suspend proceedings. A subsequent motion was passed to suspend Senator Hanson from the chamber, emphasizing the seriousness with which her actions were viewed by her parliamentary colleagues.
In a later statement, Senator Hanson defended her actions, asserting that her goal was to “display this oppressive, radical, non-religious head garb” to highlight what she believes is “at stake” for Australians. She added, “If they don’t want me wearing it — ban the burqa,” reiterating her stance on a national ban.
This is not the first time Senator Hanson has engaged in such a controversial act; she previously wore a burqa in the Senate in 2017 to advocate for similar legislative changes. Critics argue that these stunts do little more than stoke division and demonstrate a fundamental disrespect for Australia’s diverse multicultural society.
The incident has reignited debates about religious freedom, cultural sensitivity, and the boundaries of political protest within parliamentary settings, leaving many to question the ultimate impact of such divisive tactics on national discourse.
