Senator Thorpe, renowned for her outspoken activism on Indigenous rights, interrupted the event by striding confidently up the central aisle of the Great Hall of Parliament House. As King Charles III concluded his address and rejoined Queen Camilla on stage, Thorpe seized the moment to voice her grievances.
Canberra, October 21, 2024 – In a dramatic and unexpected turn of events, Australian Senator Lidia Thorpe made headlines by confronting King Charles III during his visit to the Australian Parliament. The incident took place during a parliamentary reception for the royal couple, King Charles III and Queen Camilla, in Canberra.
Senator Thorpe, renowned for her outspoken activism on Indigenous rights, interrupted the event by striding confidently up the central aisle of the Great Hall of Parliament House. As King Charles III concluded his address and rejoined Queen Camilla on stage, Thorpe seized the moment to voice her grievances. She boldly declared, “This is not your land. You are not my King,” and accused the British monarchy of committing genocide against Indigenous Australians.
Thorpe’s outburst brought to light historical grievances regarding land rights and the absence of a treaty between British colonizers and Australia’s Indigenous peoples. “You committed genocide against our people; give us our land back; give us back what you stole from us—our bones, our skulls, our babies, our people. You destroyed our land. Give us a treaty. We want a treaty,” she passionately proclaimed.
Security staff quickly intervened, escorting Senator Thorpe out of the hall. The confrontation underscored the ongoing debates about Australia’s constitutional ties with Britain and the broader discussion on whether Australia should become a republic.
Thorpe’s actions have sparked significant discussion and highlighted the deep-seated issues surrounding Indigenous rights and sovereignty
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