RantCrush Top 5: August 17, 2017

Senator Pauline Hanson, the leader of Australia’s anti-immigration and anti-Muslim party One Nation, decided to wear a burqa to parliament to demonstrate why there should be a ban on the garment. She sat wearing it for more than 10 minutes without saying anything. Then she rose and said that a lot of Australians want to see a nationwide ban of the burqa. However, the other lawmakers protested. “To ridicule that community, to drive it into a corner, to mock its religious garments, is an appalling thing to do and I would ask you reflect on what you have done,” said an emotional George Brandis, the attorney general, to standing ovations. It’s unclear why she thought wearing a burqa in parliament would prove her point. But it’s not the first time she became the subject of a controversy. Last year, she made a speech in parliament claiming that the country is being “swamped by Muslims.” In June, she said that students with autism should not be allowed in regular classrooms.

George Brandis on the verge of tears as he tells Pauline Hanson her behaviour is “appalling”. Standing ovation from ALP/Greens. #auspol #QT pic.twitter.com/KQpc6q5RVN

— Michael Koziol (@michaelkoziol) August 17, 2017

Emma Von Zeipel

Emma Von Zeipel is a staff writer at Law Street Media. She is originally from one of the islands of Stockholm, Sweden. After working for Democratic Voice of Burma in Thailand, she ended up in New York City. She has a BA in journalism from Stockholm University and is passionate about human rights, good books, horses, and European chocolate. Contact Emma at EVonZeipel@LawStreetMedia.com.