Australian senator Pauline Hanson has faced criticism after directly questioning a teenage girl wearing a niqab at a public event, asking her pointed questions about polygamy, sharia law and whether she would ever wear a bikini. The exchange has reignited debate in Australia over religious freedom, the integration of Muslim communities, and the appropriateness of politicians publicly interrogating young people about their faith and dress.

The One Nation leader, known for her longstanding hardline stance on immigration and Islam, put the questions to the girl in a confrontational manner, probing her views on practices associated with Islamic law and culture. The incident has drawn a mixed reaction, with critics accusing Hanson of singling out and pressuring a minor over her religious attire, while supporters argue the questions reflect legitimate public concerns she has campaigned on for years.