Australian Greens MP shook hands with burka-wearing Pauline Hanson 'in solidarity' after mistaking her for protester

An Australian Greens MP has revealed how he shook hands with firebrand anti-immigrant MP Pauline Hanson wearing a burqa in 'solidarity', not realising it was a stunt. Ms Hanson, leader of the right-wing One Nation party, caused a furore when she entered the Senate wearing the face-covering garment. Greens MP Peter Whish-Wilson told BuzzFeed News Australia's political podcast 'Is It On'' he saw a 'woman in full dress and burka' being followed around by security guards as he walked to Question Time. Right-wing Australian MP wears burka in Parliament 01:26 'My initial reaction was anger and a bit of frustration, 'why are these guys following a woman in a burka, who is allowed to be in that dress in parliament house'',' he said. Not realising it was actually a fellow MP wearing the burqa, Mr Whish-Wilson decided to approach the woman to show his support. 'I went up to her and said, 'good on you' and put my hand out,' he added. I think I going to need some kind of therapy after today :) but I'm proud the Senate literally stood up to her hate and division... https://t.co/7dsbwWyPO5' Peter Whish-Wilson (@SenatorSurfer) August 17, 2017 'I didn't think about it, it was my way of coming to her aid, I suppose as a bloke, seeing five other burly blokes following her around, I thought, 'she's a protester'. 'It looked like she was being harassed ' I was definitely in solidarity with someone coming in, in what they're entitled to wear and when you see them being pursued by security guards. 'It's a bit weird. I am totally weirded out by it.' Burka bans: The countries where Muslim women can't wear veils Ms Hanson claimed she wore the Islamic garment in the chamber to highlight what she said were the security issues it posed, linking it to terrorism as fellow senators heckled her. 'Is it extreme' Yes. Is it getting my message across' I hope so,' she said.The stunt has been heavily criticised, with Independent senator Derryn Hinch labelling Ms Hanson's conduct 'disgusting'. Anti-immigrant group confuses bus seats for women wearing burkasHate to think how many future Jihadi's Pauline Hanson has single handedly recruited for ISIS today. All for her crass political gain.' Peter Whish-Wilson (@SenatorSurfer) August 17, 2017 The lowest moment of my Senate career turned into one of the best. Credit where it is due-George saved the day, but no one can save Pauline. https://t.co/yS9ana8gCy' Peter Whish-Wilson (@SenatorSurfer) August 17, 2017 If it's so 'confronting' why is she giving examples of people shaking her hand without hesitation while she was wearing it'' Silence Wedge (@silencewedge) August 17, 2017 About | Muslim clothing
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