Controversial Stunt Leads to Senate Ejection
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson was ejected from the Australian Senate on Monday, November 24, 2025, after entering the chamber clad in a burqa. The provocative act, a repeat of a similar demonstration in 2017, was undertaken as Hanson sought to introduce a private senator's bill to ban the Islamic full-face covering in Australia, citing concerns over national security and women's rights.
Hanson's entry into the Senate chamber sparked immediate uproar, leading to her ejection after she refused to remove the garment. This refusal prompted the suspension of the chamber's proceedings for over an hour and a half.
Widespread Condemnation from Across the Political Divide
The stunt drew swift and widespread condemnation from senators across the political spectrum. Nationals senator Matt Canavan stated that Hanson's actions 'debased' the parliament and were 'ridiculing' Muslim Australians. Foreign Minister Penny Wong, deputy leader of the Labor faction, emphasized that such disrespect was 'not worthy of a member of the Australian Senate'.
Other critical reactions included:
- Independent senator Fatima Payman, who wears a hijab, described Hanson's act as 'abhorrent and disrespectful to the chamber and the public'.
- Minister for Multiculturalism Anne Aly called the act 'unacceptable' and accused Hanson of attempting to 'divide' the country.
- Opposition leader Sussan Ley commented that the stunt 'weakens Senator Hanson's case and cheapens our parliament'.
Despite the strong backlash, Hanson maintained her stance, stating in a press conference following her ejection, 'If they don't want me wearing it – ban the burqa'. She further claimed that the issue was one of 'national security' and 'women's rights'.
Previous Instance and Parliamentary Response
This marks the second time Senator Hanson has worn a burqa in the parliament. Her initial demonstration in 2017 also generated significant controversy. On this occasion, after being denied leave to introduce her bill, Hanson left the chamber and returned in the burqa during a vote on a separate matter.
Following her refusal to comply with parliamentary rulings to remove the garment, Hanson was penalized with a sanction that barred her from entering the chamber for the remainder of the day. The incident highlighted ongoing tensions surrounding religious attire and freedom of expression within Australia's political landscape.
7 Comments
Stan Marsh
Completely tone-deaf and offensive. It achieves nothing productive.
Kyle Broflovski
She certainly got attention for her cause, which some might see as effective. However, the widespread condemnation suggests her method created more division than constructive dialogue.
Eric Cartman
Finally, someone has the guts to speak up! National security matters.
Stan Marsh
While freedom of expression is important, this stunt feels more like grandstanding than genuine policy debate. It risks alienating the very people she claims to protect.
Kyle Broflovski
While one could argue she's trying to highlight a perceived double standard, her actions ultimately distracted from any substantive policy points she might have. It's a provocative move, but perhaps not a productive one.
Noir Black
Just a divisive publicity stunt. Shameful and Islamophobic.
BuggaBoom
She's just showing us the problem. Good on her for taking a stand.