Court Dismisses Pauline Hanson’s Appeal Over Racial Discrimination Finding
A court has upheld the ruling that Pauline Hanson engaged in racial discrimination against Senator Mehreen Faruqi following a controversial social media post. The incident involved Hanson telling the Greens senator to “pack your bags and piss off back to Pakistan.”
The One Nation leader filed the appeal in November, following a September 2022 ruling by Justice Angus Stewart, who determined that Hanson’s comments were “seriously offensive,” intimidating, and a breach of the Racial Discrimination Act.
On Monday, Federal Court justices Melissa Perry, Geoffrey Kennett, and Elizabeth Bennett affirmed Stewart’s original decision.
Justice Stewart previously noted that the litigation served as a significant test case. Faruqi sought to demonstrate that egregious forms of racial abuse are unlawful, while Hanson attempted to argue that section 18C of the Act infringed upon the implied freedom of political communication.
In her appeal, Hanson contended that the initial ruling created concern among Australians that their freedom of speech and the ability to express personal opinions are under constant threat.
Following the verdict, Faruqi characterized the outcome as a landmark victory and a “warning” to individuals like Hanson.
“I do hope it emboldens individuals and communities to assert their right to live free from racism,” Faruqi stated.
