Indigenous Australian Lawmaker Censured for Heckling King Charles

SYDNEY, Nov 18– Lidia Thorpe, an Indigenous Australian senator, has been censured by the Australian parliament after heckling King Charles during his visit to Canberra in October. Thorpe shouted, “This is not your land, you are not my king,” criticizing the legacy of European colonization and calling it a “genocide” against Indigenous Australians. She also turned her back on the king during the national anthem.

The censure, which passed with 46 votes in favor and 12 against, is a symbolic gesture with no real punishment. It condemned Thorpe’s actions as “disruptive and disrespectful” and stated that she should not be part of any future parliamentary delegations.

Thorpe dismissed the censure, saying she would use the document as “kindling” and vowed to continue speaking out against colonialism. Known for her strong opposition to the monarchy, Thorpe has made headlines before, including raising her fist when she was sworn into office in 2022, refusing to swear allegiance to Queen Elizabeth II.

The controversy highlights ongoing debates in Australia about its colonial past and the country’s ties to the British monarchy. While some Australians support moving to a republic, the issue remains divisive.