Australian Senate erupts in anger after far-right lawmaker arrives wearing burqa

An Australian far-right lawmaker wore a burqa to Parliament on Monday, drawing outrage from fellow senators who accused her of racism

An Australian far-right lawmaker wore a burqa to Parliament on Monday, drawing outrage from fellow senators who accused her of racism.

Senator Pauline Hanson appeared in the burqa, a full-face covering worn by some Muslim women, after being denied permission to introduce a bill that would ban them in public.

Lawmakers erupted in anger as Hanson entered the chamber, and Senate proceedings were suspended when she refused to remove the garment.

One Nation Leader Pauline Hanson wears a burqa in the Senate chamber at Parliament House in Canberra, Monday, November 24, 2025. Mick Tsikas / AAPIMAGE via Reuters“This is a racist senator displaying blatant racism and Islamophobia,” said Mehreen Faruqi, a Muslim senator from the state of New South Wales.

Another senator of the faith, Fatima Payman of Western Australia, said it was “disgraceful.”