Pauline Hanson Speech Shakes Senate With Call To Ban Muslim Immigration

Pauline Hanson has caused a stir in the Senate declaring that Australia is at risk of being "swamped by Muslims"

The One Nation senator yesterday bared her views on immigration in striking similarity to her 1996 Parliamentary maiden speech. Back then she raised the alarm over Asian immigration, and twenty years later it appears she is mirroring the same xenophobic rhetoric.

In her speech, the ABC reports, Hanson called for a ban on all Muslim immigration, claiming "indiscriminate immigration and aggressive multiculturalism" has led to escalating crime and the decline of social cohesion. She also contended that "Islam cannot have a significant presence in Australia if we are to live in an open, secular and cohesive society".

"If you are not prepared to become Australian and give this country this undivided loyalty, obey our laws and respect our country and way of life, then I suggest you go back where you came from," she said.

At one point in her speech, the Greens senators actually got up and walked out.

Leader of the Greens, Richard Di Natale, took to Twitter to voice his concerns about hate speech and bigotry.

We've got an obligation to call out hate speech, to call out racism, to call out bigotry whenever we see it. https://t.co/AFwcgc7gGD

— Richard Di Natale (@RichardDiNatale) 14 September 2016

Hanson's incendiary views on Muslims teeter on the fine line between freedom of expression and bigotry. With the political spotlight on Hanson's extremist opinions, there are concerns that her words will fuel isolation and marginalisation.

Backed up by an additional three senators from the One Nation party, Hanson has secured a six-year term in the senate.

She's here to stay - and who knows? You might even spot her flying around in her official party helicopter.

Caloundra Airport @10am today.
A special announcement. #auspol #paulinehanson #qldsenate #qld #australia #fedup pic.twitter.com/wZjwVRlQ6E

— Pauline Hanson (@PaulineHansonOz) 15 July 2015

Photo: APH.