Far-right Australian senator Pauline Hanson caused a heated confrontation in Parliament after she entered the Senate chamber wearing a hijab — a move widely seen as a political stunt aimed at advancing her proposal to ban Muslim coverings in public spaces.
Hanson donned the hijab moments after her request to introduce a bill banning hijabs and other full-face Islamic coverings was rejected.
Strong reactions and temporary suspension of the session
Her entrance immediately disrupted the Senate session, as she refused to remove the covering when asked.
Muslim lawmakers strongly condemned the act, calling it a deliberate provocation.
“This is a senator displaying pure racism,” said Mehreen Faruqi.
Independent senator Fatima Payman of Western Australia described the gesture as “shameful.”
A long history of anti-immigration and anti-Islam rhetoric
Hanson, known since the 1990s for her fierce opposition to Asian immigration and asylum seekers, has consistently campaigned against Islamic clothing throughout her political career.
In a later statement, Hanson said:
“If Parliament won’t ban it, then I will continue to wear this oppressive, radical and non-religious head covering — which undermines national security and women’s dignity — so that every Australian understands what is at risk.”
Her remarks further inflamed criticism, with lawmakers and community leaders accusing her of spreading fear and intolerance.
