That full-face coverings such as the burqa hide a person’s identity, create security risks, and go against Australia’s values of openness and equal treatment of all people.

We believe every person should show their face in public places where identification and safety matter, such as schools, banks, airports, and government buildings.

We also believe no one should be forced or pressured to wear such garments.

Furthermore, Australians have witnessed growing lawlessness at protests and demonstrations, where masked thugs and extremists hide their faces to commit violent acts and intimidate others. These cowards conceal their identities to escape justice. This should not be permitted. There should be additional penalties imposed on those who commit such crimes while masked, and they must be sufficiently harsh to deter it altogether.

Your petitioners therefore ask that the Senate:

1. Support a national ban on face-covering clothing like the burqa in public places;
2. Support increased penalties for offenders who commit crimes while concealing their identity at public protests; and
3. Ensure Australian laws protect women’s freedom, public safety, and national security.

And your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray.