Saturday, September 17, 2016

Far-Right Australian Senator Fosters Anti-Muslim Sentiments

Twenty years ago, Australian politician Pauline Hanson was elected into the House of Representatives expressing strong anti-immigration sentiments towards the Asian population. She left office soon after, and in her time away she formed the One Nation Party. Now, she is back as a senator and is foraging an even stronger anti-immigration attitude towards Muslims. Hanson and her party are working to gain enough influence in the Australian government to put an end to Muslim immigration into Australia. The Australian government is struggling with how to deal with Hanson. On one hand they do not want to encourage her ideals, but on the other hand they may need the votes of Hanson and her supporters to help pass important bills. Following senate elections, Hanson gave a speech in which she referred to Muslims as "prominent in organized crime, with associated violence and drug dealing". A large multitude of senators and other politicians disagree with Hanson's radical views, but oddly enough Hanson has managed to garner enough support to begin to sway the government. In regards to Hanson's ability to gain votes, Australian senator Penny Wong stated "People voted for her. You have to take that seriously". Hanson draws many similarities to Donald Trump and the affect his radical political views have on America. Despite his often times offensive and ignorant rhetoric, he is still managing to gain astonishing amounts of support.

-Mynk Richardson-Clerk
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/16/world/australia/pauline-hanson-muslims-senate.html?_r=0

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