The Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) and the Alliance of Australian Muslims (AAM) strongly condemn Senator Pauline Hanson’s renewed push to ban the burqa and other religious face coverings, and her decision to enter Parliament dressed in a burqa for the second time in her political career. This action was clearly intended to stir controversy around the Australian Muslim community, undermine multiculturalism, and create division within the Australian public.
Using a religious garment as part of a political stunt is deeply disrespectful to Muslim women and to people of faith more broadly. We expect Members of Parliament in Australia to uphold a higher standard of professionalism when conducting themselves in Parliament. We also believe there are far more pressing issues requiring attention, rather than targeting the dress choices of Muslim women.
We reject the notion that Senator Hanson’s proposed bill is based on genuine concerns for national security. Claims that Muslim women are forced to wear the burqa are incorrect, unsubstantiated and not supported by any credible evidence. Her proposal is instead a smokescreen for racism, anti-Muslim sentiment, and an ongoing political agenda aimed at attacking multiculturalism and the right of Australians to express their cultural and religious identity freely.
Senator Hanson has repeatedly attempted to link the religious choices of Muslim women with the erosion of women’s rights and freedoms. A ban on the burqa would only further stigmatise women who already face harassment and vilification in public due to their visible Muslim identity. Ironically, this would harm the very women she claims to support. The greater concern to the safety and security of the Australian public are the divisive actions and rhetoric of Senator Hanson, and others who echo similar views.
Furthermore, there is no credible evidence to suggest that a blanket ban on religious face coverings would improve safety in Australia, nor is there evidence that the burqa or other religious coverings are being used for criminal purposes. Senator Hanson’s proposal is a slap in the face to every free woman in society who has the right to choose what to wear. She is seeking to strip the agency and voice of Muslim women in choosing their own dress, and only serves to further alienate Muslims, undermine multiculturalism, and weaken social cohesion in Australia. The Australian Muslim community is a proud part of broader Australian society and rejects being treated as outsiders simply due to religious dress.
Senator Hanson’s proposal singles out Muslim women, vilifies the Muslim community, undermines multiculturalism, and weakens social cohesion in Australia.
ANIC calls on Australian parliamentarians to:
1. Clearly reject any proposed ban on religious face coverings
2. Condemn Senator Hanson’s actions and take appropriate parliamentary disciplinary measures
3. Condemn Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hate, especially when it occurs within Parliament
4. Actively defend and strengthen Australia’s multicultural values
5. Work with the Australian Muslim community to foster understanding and build social cohesion
We stand with all Australians who oppose Islamophobia, anti-Muslim sentiment and attacks on multiculturalism, and we appreciate and thank those who continue to defend Australia’s values of respect, inclusion and unity. We urge Senator Hanson to abandon this divisive campaign and focus on initiatives that unite, rather than divide, our nation.
