Australian Senator walks into parliament in burqa to protest it
The Australian Senate saw a dramatic debate on banning the burqa as Senator Pauline Hanson of the far-Right One Nation party walked into the House wearing one. About 20 minutes after the question time session started, she took it off, saying, "This isn't what should belong in parliament." If balaclavas or helmets have to be removed for security, why not the burqa, she argued.
Hanson's actions draw sharp criticism
Hanson's action caused outrage. "Senator Hanson, we will not be banning the burqa. You aren't adherent of Islam. I would caution you with respect to be very, very careful of the offense you may do to religious sensibilities," warned Attorney General George Brandis. According to Senator Sam Dastyari, an Iranian-born Muslim, "We have seen the stunt of all stunts in this chamber."
One Nation's controversial stand on Islam
One Nation has often taken controversial stands when it comes to Islam, saying its "religious aspect is fraud; it is rather a totalitarian political system". It has proposed a ban on Muslim immigrants and on Muslim visitors. The debate on banning the burqa has gained steam in Australia in recent times. In 2014, Australia refused to separate veiled visitors to the parliament from others.
