What's happened
Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe was censured by the Australian Senate for her disruptive protest against King Charles during his visit. The motion passed 46-12, with Thorpe vowing to continue her activism against colonialism. The censure is largely symbolic and reflects ongoing tensions regarding Indigenous rights in Australia.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Independent, Thorpe's outburst was described as an attempt to 'incite outrage and grievance' by Senate leader Penny Wong, who emphasized the need for respect during royal visits. Conversely, Senator Mehreen Faruqi criticized the censure as a reflection of 'white privilege' in parliament, arguing that it silences important truths about colonialism. The BBC noted that Thorpe's actions were disruptive but highlighted the broader context of Indigenous struggles in Australia, suggesting that her protest resonated with many who feel marginalized. The South China Morning Post pointed out that the censure is largely symbolic, indicating a political consensus against disruptive protests while failing to address the underlying issues raised by Thorpe.
How we got here
Thorpe's protest occurred during King Charles' first visit to Australia in 13 years, where she vocally rejected his sovereignty and highlighted the historical injustices faced by Indigenous Australians. This incident follows a long history of activism by Thorpe, who has previously challenged colonial narratives.
Common question
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Why was Senator Thorpe censured for her protest against King Charles?
Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe's recent protest during King Charles' visit to Australia has sparked significant debate and controversy. Censured by the Australian Senate for her actions, Thorpe's protest raises important questions about colonialism, Indigenous rights, and the reactions of other politicians. Below, we explore the implications of her actions and the historical context surrounding this event.
More on these topics
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Charles, Prince of Wales is the heir apparent to the British throne as the eldest child of Queen Elizabeth II. He has been Duke of Cornwall and Duke of Rothesay since 1952, and he is the oldest and longest-serving heir apparent in British history.
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Penelope Ying-Yen Wong is an Australian politician who has been a Senator for South Australia since 2002. She has served as Senate leader of the Australian Labor Party since 2013, and is currently Leader of the Opposition in the Senate.
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Australia, officially known as the Commonwealth of Australia, is a sovereign country comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands.
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Mehreen Saeed Faruqi is an Australian politician who has been a Senator for New South Wales since 15 August 2018, representing the Greens.