Pauline Hanson Partially Walks Back ‘No Good Muslims’ Claim
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has partially retracted controversial comments suggesting We find “no good Muslims,” while simultaneously defending her broader concerns about Islam and rejecting criticism from Islamic groups. The backpedaling came after widespread condemnation of her remarks made during a Sky News interview on Monday.
Hanson initially stated she had “no time for radical Islam” and questioned how anyone could identify “good Muslims,” suggesting the religion inherently posed a threat to Western values. She has now clarified that she does not genuinely believe there are no good Muslims, citing the example of a non-practising Muslim woman who previously ran for One Nation.
“No, I don’t genuinely believe that,” Hanson told the ABC on Wednesday. However, she quickly added a significant qualification, stating she would not apologise for speaking out against what she perceives as the dangers of radical Islam. She specifically mentioned concerns about individuals who adhere to Sharia law, practice multiple marriages, or support groups like ISIS, and those “from Gaza who believes in the caliphate.”
“If I’ve offended anyone out there that doesn’t believe in Sharia law or multiple marriages or wants to bring ISIS brides in or people from Gaza who believes in the caliphate… Then I apologise to you for my comment,” she said. “But in general, that’s what they want: a world caliphate and I’m not going to apologise.”
The Australian National Imams Council president, Shadi Alsuleiman, strongly refuted Hanson’s initial statements, describing them as a reflection of “a serious misunderstanding of Islam and the Muslim community.” Alsuleiman emphasized the positive contributions Muslims have made to Australia’s growth and development.
“For many years, she has made inaccurate and harmful statements based on misinformation rather than genuine engagement,” Alsuleiman told AAP. “Muslims have contributed positively to the growth and advancement of this nation and continue to do so with pride and commitment.”
Hanson dismissed Alsuleiman’s criticism, claiming she had “heard more hateful things coming out of the mouths of imams giving their sermons on the streets of Sydney, and other places in Australia, but nothing’s been said about that.”
The controversy comes as One Nation experiences a surge in popularity, according to recent opinion polls. A Newspoll indicates the party has gained a 27% primary vote, surpassing the opposition’s 18%. An upcoming by-election in Farrer is expected to be a key test of whether this increased support will translate into electoral success.
Nationals senator Matt Canavan labelled Hanson’s comments “divisive, inflammatory [and] un-Australian,” stating that it was unacceptable to suggest there were no good people among Australia’s 800,000 Muslims. He questioned her fitness to lead her party.
Hanson’s rhetoric regarding Muslims is not new. In her 1996 parliamentary debut, she warned Australia was “being swamped by Asians,” and in 2016, she repeated a similar claim, stating Australia was “being swamped by Muslims.” More recently, she drew criticism for wearing a burqa in the Senate.
