An Australian senator has been suspended for a week — and yes, it’s because she walked into parliament wearing a burka.
Pauline Hanson, known for her anti-immigration stances, pulled the stunt.
Colleagues blocked her latest attempt to ban full face coverings in public.
But did it spark debate? Not quite. It sparked outrage.
Greens senator Mehreen Faruqi didn’t hold back, calling Hanson’s act “blatant racism.”
This was a powerful accusation, especially since a Federal Court previously ruled Faruqi had been racially discriminated against by Hanson.
Independent senator Fatima Payman labelled the performance “disgraceful.” And honestly, who seemed surprised?
Senate Censures Hanson
Foreign Minister Penny Wong pushed for a formal censure, arguing Hanson had been “parading prejudice as protest for decades.”
The senate agreed, voting 55 to five that Hanson’s actions were intended to “vilify and mock” Muslim Australians. Strong words — and they passed easily.
So what was Hanson’s response? A Facebook post reading: “If they don’t want me wearing it – ban the burka.”
A familiar refrain from a politician who made similar headlines in 2017.
And even earlier claimed Australia was at risk of being “swamped” — first by Asians, then by Muslims.
The controversy keeps repeating itself, but the question remains: is this really a protest… or just political theatre in the same old costume?
