One Nation leader Pauline Hanson ignites new controversy with Islam ‘religion of hate’ and welfare remarks

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has continued her attack on Muslims, calling Islam a “religion of hate” and opposing Muslim women coming to Australia to have “child after child at taxpayers’ expense”.

Her latest comments follow days of criticism after the Queensland Senator questioned in a Sky News TV interview on Monday if “good Muslims” exist.

Senator Hanson undertook a mini media blitz on Tuesday and Wednesday where she made a partial apology but remained firm in her stance against radical Islam and tough borders.

But during a fiery interview on Sky News with Chris Kenny on Wednesday evening Senator Hanson further inflamed her previous commentary.

“Islam is the only religion of hate. I don’t want to see Sharia Law, I don’t want to see burqas worn by women, I don’t want to see female circumcision, I don’t want to see these women having child after child after child at the taxpayers expense,” she said.

Asked if she would like to correct or apologise for her comments, she said: “If there is a person out there who is a Muslim and does not support Sharia Law, female circumcision, child marriages, who (does) support our culture, our way of life and our laws, then I apologise to you, if my comment has offended you”.

Speaking on radio on Thursday morning, Anthony Albanese labelled Senator Hanson’s comments “disgraceful”.

“They’re aimed at just dividing people,” he said on morning radio.

“It doesn’t take the country forward at all to just dismiss people because of their faith and who they are, and that is what Pauline Hanson does.

“And this week, Ramadan starts. So it’s a particularly holy time for Muslims.”

Senator Hanson has faced a wave of criticism this week from across the political spectrum, including strong condemnation from Nationals Senator Matt Canavan who labelled the remarks “unAustralian”.

State premiers, including NSW’s Chris Minns and Queensland’s David Crisafulli, Race Discrimination Commissioner Giridharan Sivaraman and Islamic groups have condemned the comments.

“Words that stigmatise and devalue people do not strengthen our society. They increase fear, deepen division, and intensify pain and harm that many in our communities have experienced for far too long,” Mr Sivaraman said.

“Australia’s Muslim communities — like all our communities — deserve to feel safe, respected and included. Public figures have a responsibility to elevate our national conversation, not inflame tensions, divide us or undermine the dignity of others.”

One Nation’s latest recruit, long-time Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce has distanced himself from his leader’s comments and refused to answer questions about whether he endorses his new leader’s stance.