Lidia Thorpe, an Australian Indigenous senator, made headlines across the world for her recent confrontation with King Charles in Australia. During her speech at Australia’s Parliament House, Lidia Thorpe referred to the British monarch and declared, “You are not my king”.

This is not the first time that the indigenous community rights activists have raised their voices against the British monarchy. A few years ago, Lidia Thorpe called the late Queen Elizabeth a ‘coloniser’ during her speech.

Who is Lidia Thorpe?

Lidia Thorpe has been a senator for Victoria since 2020, the first Aboriginal senator from that state. The 51-year-old Indigenous community activist is also a staunch supporter of the rights of the people of the black community.

She has also served as chair of Victoria’s Naidoc committee, which recognises the history and culture of Indigenous Australians. Most of her protests and activism statements are associated with issues related to Indigenous Australians, including the justice system, prison reform, environmental issues, etc.

In October 2020, Lidia Thorpe participated in her swearing-in ceremony in the Australian parliament. One of the key photos from her swearing-in ceremony was her raising her fist, which is a symbol of a “black power” salute.

Lidia Thorpe past controversies

Lidia Thorpe has often created controversies with her firm anti-monarchy stance, recent one being her confrontation with King Charles III. There are other incidents as well, where the Australian senator’s actions have sparked controversies.

King Charles confrontation

King Charles was on his visit to Australia. Minutes after he concluded his speech at Australia’s Parliament House on Monday, he faced vehement backlash from senator Thorpe who accused the British monarch of “genocide”.

“You committed genocide against our people,” Lidia Thorpe said. “Give us our land back. Give us 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.”

Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott from the conservative Liberal Party, who attended the event, told reporters it was an “unfortunate political exhibitionism”.

Calling late Queen Elizabeth a ‘coloniser’

While taking her oath after being re-elected at the Australian Parliament, Lidia Thorpe was referred to then-monarch Queen Elizabeth II as “the colonising Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II”, reported the Daily Guardian. Later, she received backlash for her remarks and was also forced to repeat the oath and recite the official words.

Protest against anti-trans rally led by British activist

Thorpe also created controversy when she protested against an anti-trans rally outside Parliament house led by British activist Kellie-Jay Keen. Thorpe temporarily blocked the protest leading to numerous altercation on the protest site.