Pauline Hanson Faces Unprecedented Suspension Over Senate Burqa Stunt

Australian Senator Pauline Hanson has been suspended from parliament. The One Nation leader was punished for wearing a burqa in the chamber. The incident occurred in November 2025 as a protest against the Islamic garment.

The Senate voted overwhelmingly to censure and suspend her. This marks one of the harshest disciplinary actions in recent political history. According to reports from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, the motion passed 55 to five.

A Swift and Severe Parliamentary Rebuke

Hanson’s suspension lasts for seven sitting days. She is also banned from overseas delegations this term. The penalty will extend into the 2026 parliamentary year.

The censure motion condemned her actions sharply. It stated the act was intended to vilify people based on religion. Senators called it deeply disrespectful to Muslim Australians.

Hanson defended her right to political protest. She argued there is no official Senate dress code. She said the reaction was hypocritical.

Broader Reactions and Lasting Impact

The stunt ignited fierce debate about racism in politics. Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi gave an emotional speech. She said parliament now “drips in racism.”

Labor’s Penny Wong moved the censure motion. She called it “prejudice parading as protest.” Wong highlighted the harmful message sent to children.

Other Muslim senators expressed their pain. The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils condemned the act. They cited a pattern of vilification against minorities.

The Pauline Hanson suspension sets a new precedent for conduct in Australia’s parliament. It shows a willingness to confront acts of religious mockery directly. This decisive action may redefine the boundaries of political protest for years to come.

Info at your fingertips

Why was Pauline Hanson suspended?

She was suspended for wearing a burqa in the Senate as a political protest. The chamber voted to censure her for actions deemed disrespectful and vilifying.

How long is Hanson’s suspension?

Her suspension lasts for seven consecutive Senate sitting days. It also bars her from overseas parliamentary delegations for the current term.

Has Hanson done this before?

Yes, she wore a burqa in the Senate once before in 2017. She did not face formal punishment that time.

What was the Senate vote count?

The censure motion passed overwhelmingly by 55 votes to five. Only Hanson, her three One Nation colleagues, and one other senator opposed it.

What has been the political reaction?

Reactions are deeply divided. Supporters see it as free speech, while critics call it racism. Major parties united to condemn the act.

Could this happen again?

This case establishes a strong precedent. Future similar acts would likely face swift censure and potential suspension from the chamber.