One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has been suspended from the Australian Senate for seven days after refusing to apologise for wearing a burqa during a parliamentary sitting. The controversial act drew sharp criticism across political lines and renewed debate over religious respect, women’s rights, and political extremism in Australia.
Hanson Refuses to Apologise After Wearing Burqa in Senate
Hanson entered the upper house on Monday wearing a full burqa shortly after failing to pass a bill aimed at banning the Islamic covering in public spaces. The move was widely condemned as a political stunt targeting the Muslim community.
On Tuesday, the Senate formally censured Hanson and called on her to apologise. Instead, she doubled down on her actions, insisting the burqa is used to oppress women and is not a mandatory religious requirement. Her refusal led to a seven-day suspension — effectively removing her for the remainder of the parliamentary year.
‘Hypocritical Not to Defend Women’: Hanson Defends Her Actions
Hanson rejected accusations of religious intolerance, claiming her focus was on protecting women who are forced to wear face coverings.
“It’s hypocritical to claim you defend women’s rights while ignoring women forced to wear full coverings against their will,” she said.
She walked out of the chamber before the suspension vote was completed.
Widespread Condemnation Across Parliament
Foreign Minister Penny Wong emotionally criticised Hanson’s actions, revealing that her own child asked whether “all Christians hate Muslims” after seeing the stunt.
During the discussion, United Australia Party senator Ralph Babet shouted “I do,” drawing further concern from colleagues.
Wong argued the stunt mocked an entire faith and inflicted “cruel consequences” on vulnerable communities.
“Senator Hanson’s hateful and shallow pageantry tears at our social fabric and makes Australia weaker,” she said.
Leaders Warn of Rising Division and Extremism
Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie said Australia needed respectful debate that does not weaponise religious clothing for political gain.
Independent senator Fatima Payman called the act “very disrespectful and very un-Australian,” warning it could lead to harassment of Muslim schoolgirls and women wearing hijabs.
Cabinet minister Tanya Plibersek also linked the incident to a rise in right-wing extremism, pointing out that no crimes had been committed by women wearing burqas, but recent neo-Nazi demonstrations had caused real concern.
A Repeat Stunt Draws Renewed Criticism
This is the second time Hanson has worn a burqa inside Parliament. In 2017, the move was condemned by then–attorney general George Brandis, who called it an “appalling thing to do.”
Brandis labelled the latest incident “despicable,” accusing Hanson of seeking attention rather than contributing to meaningful politics.
Political strategist Kos Samaras said the stunt highlighted a broader issue: “Right-wing populist outfits rely on protest because they have nothing constructive to offer.”
Censure Motions Are Rare but Symbolic
Although censure motions carry no legal penalty, they are uncommon and serve as a formal declaration of the Senate’s disapproval. Hanson’s suspension underscores the seriousness with which Parliament viewed the incident.
