Australian far-right Senator Pauline Hanson has ignited widespread condemnation after wearing a burqa in Parliament as part of her campaign to ban the Muslim garment in public spaces. The controversial act occurred shortly after Hanson’s proposed bill to outlaw burqas and other full-face coverings was rejected by the Senate. Hanson’s stunt drew sharp criticism from fellow senators, who accused her of blatant racism and disrespect. The Senate chamber erupted in anger as Hanson entered wearing the burqa, leading to a suspension of proceedings when she refused to remove it. Mehreen Faruqi, a Greens senator from New South Wales, labeled Hanson’s actions as ‘racist,’ while independent Senator Fatima Payman from Western Australia called the move ‘disgraceful.’ Both Penny Wong, leader of the Labor government in the Senate, and Anne Ruston, deputy leader of the opposition coalition, condemned Hanson’s behavior, with Wong describing it as ‘not worthy of a member of the Australian Senate.’ Hanson, a Queensland senator and leader of the One Nation party, has a history of anti-immigration and anti-Islamic rhetoric. She previously wore a burqa in Parliament in 2017, advocating for a national ban. In a Facebook statement, Hanson defended her actions, claiming they were a protest against the Senate’s rejection of her bill and a call to highlight the ‘oppressive’ nature of the garment. Her One Nation party has gained traction in recent years, securing four Senate seats in the May general election amid rising support for far-right policies.