An Indigenous senator faced censure in Australia’s parliament after protesting King Charles during his visit to Canberra, highlighting tensions over the legacy of European settlement.
The Senate voted 46 to 12 to censure independent senator Lidia Thorpe, who interrupted the king, declaring, “This is not your land, you are not my king,” and condemned European settlers’ actions against Indigenous Australians as “genocide.” She also turned her back during the national anthem.
While the censure carries no practical consequences, it symbolically marks parliament’s disapproval and restricts Thorpe from participating in delegations for the current parliamentary term.
Thorpe, wearing a “Not My King” chain, dismissed the censure as insignificant and expressed her willingness to repeat her actions if the monarch returns. She affirmed her allegiance to the First Peoples, whom she considers the true sovereigns.
Green Senator Mehreen Faruqi opposed the censure, supporting Thorpe’s version of Australia’s history. Known for her provocative stances, Thorpe has consistently opposed the monarchy, notably raising her fist during her oath of office to Queen Elizabeth II in 2022.
Australia’s history as a British colony involved the displacement and deaths of thousands of Aboriginal Australians. While the nation gained de facto independence in 1901, it remains a constitutional monarchy under King Charles.
Discussions about becoming a republic resurfaced during the king’s visit, though the issue lacks political momentum. A recent poll showed Australians divided equally among keeping the monarchy, becoming a republic, or feeling indifferent.
In 1999, Australians narrowly voted to retain the monarchy amid debates over the selection process for a potential republican head of state.
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