Pauline Hanson has reignited calls for Australia to ban the burqa, following Italy's recent decision to prohibit the religious garment. Hanson argued that full face coverings pose safety risks and undermine women's dignity, urging the government to follow the example of over 20 countries with similar bans. She asserted that such garments are used to control and silence women, and criticized the current government for not taking action. In response, Dr Rateb Jneid from the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils dismissed Hanson's comments as a divisive publicity stunt, emphasizing that true freedom means allowing women to choose what they wear.