Far-right Australian politician Pauline Hanson has failed to overturn a racial vilification ruling linked to comments she made against Muslim senator Mehreen Faruqi. The Federal Court of Australia dismissed Hanson’s appeal on Monday, upholding the earlier decision that found her remarks breached racial discrimination laws.
The case began after Hanson responded to comments made by Faruqi following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022. Faruqi, a Greens senator, had said she could not mourn the monarch, describing the British Empire as being built on the suffering of colonised people.
Hanson’s Comments Spark Legal Battle
Following Faruqi’s remarks, Hanson posted a response on social media.
“When you immigrated to Australia you took every advantage of this country. You took citizenship, bought multiple homes, and a job in a parliament. It’s clear you’re not happy, so pack your bags and piss off back to Pakistan.”
Faruqi later filed a complaint, leading the Federal Court to examine whether the comments violated Australia’s racial discrimination laws.
In 2024, the court ruled that Hanson’s statement represented a “strong form of racism”. The judge said the comments could reasonably offend, insult, humiliate, and intimidate Faruqi, along with Muslim Australians and other migrants of colour.
Court Rejects Hanson’s Appeal
Hanson challenged the ruling and argued that she had not violated the law. She also questioned the constitutional validity of the legislation involved in the case.
However, the Federal Court rejected her appeal on Monday, confirming the original decision.
After the ruling, Hanson defended her remarks and said she reacted because she felt offended by Faruqi’s comments about the late Queen.
“I was incensed by the incredible disrespect that I felt was shown to our late Queen on the day of her death by Senator Faruqi and others,” she said.
“I simply wanted to call that out.”
One Nation Gains Political Support
Hanson, who leads the One Nation party, has remained a prominent figure in Australian politics for years. Her party has gained increased support in recent opinion polls by promoting stricter immigration policies and stronger border controls.
She has also called for the deportation of people she describes as illegal migrants and has campaigned for expanded free speech protections.
Moreover, Hanson has proposed major reductions in government spending and compared her plans to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative in the United States.
Despite the court ruling, Hanson continues to maintain a strong political presence. Meanwhile, the case has renewed debate in Australia about free speech, immigration, and the limits of political expression.
