The Australian Senate has suspended Senator Pauline Hanson, leader of the far-right One Nation party, for seven sitting days following a controversial protest in which she wore a burqa inside Parliament as part of a campaign to push for a nationwide ban on the garment in public spaces.
Australia’s parliament suspended proceedings after far-right senator Pauline Hanson wore a burqa to protest a proposed ban on full-face coverings https://t.co/On1jmYz90s pic.twitter.com/UglxSBSuyM
— Reuters (@Reuters) November 24, 2025
The incident occurred on Monday when Senator Hanson entered the Senate chamber wearing a full-body and full-face covering, a move widely condemned by fellow lawmakers as offensive and provocative. Her appearance prompted strong reactions across the chamber, with several senators labeling the act disrespectful and harmful to Australia’s Muslim community.
On Tuesday, the Senate voted 55-5 to censure Senator Hanson before approving her suspension by a majority voice vote. Senator Penny Wong, Australia’s Foreign Minister, described the act as an “immature and shameless stunt” that mocked an entire faith practiced by nearly a million Australians.
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Senator Mehreen Faruqi highlighted the significance of Muslim representation in Parliament and criticised past inaction towards similar behaviour, noting that two Muslim women now serve in the chamber.
Senator Hanson defended her actions, accusing colleagues of hypocrisy for allowing the garment in Parliament while refusing to vote on legislation banning it in public spaces. The proposed bill was not put to a vote following the disruption.
The incident has reignited national debate over religious freedom, political conduct and rising concerns about intolerance within democratic institutions.
