Australian senator sparks row after wearing burqa to parliament, demanding nationwide-ban

Australia witnessed a fresh political flashpoint on Monday after far-right senator Pauline Hanson entered the Senate chamber wearing a burqa, reigniting her long-running demand to ban full-face coverings in public spaces, as per videos circulating on social media.

The act reportedly triggered sharp reactions from multiple lawmakers, especially Muslim senators, who condemned the move as ‘racist’ and ‘Islamophobic’.

According to reports, Hanson arrived in the chamber draped in a black burqa after she was denied permission to introduce her bill seeking a nationwide ban on burqas and similar garments. 

Senate proceedings were briefly disrupted when she refused to remove the covering on entering the House.

Leaders from both the ruling Labour government and the opposition reportedly criticised Hanson’s actions.