Nationals Senator Barry O'Sullivan has a bizarre way to try to shield himself from "grubs" attacking him for his opposition to abortion.

He declared himself a woman - a move that has attracted much derision on social media.

What a pity that Barry O’Sullivan’s gender change will not involve menstruation, a functioning uterus or any of the things that make reproductive rights real & visceral to those who do (mostly women). Why, it won’t even involve a drop in pay or the loss of half his super! — Jane Caro (@JaneCaro) November 14, 2018

Surely as a senator, Ms Barry O'Sullivan should pay closer attention to her hair and clothing style? Also, is she really able to manage the demands of family with such a high profile position? https://t.co/39nX22bUC2 — Michelle Pini (@vmp9) November 14, 2018

Senator O'Sullivan told Parliament on Wednesday he was tired of being attacked when speaking about his strong beliefs on the issue.

"I'm going to declare my gender today - as I can - to be a woman, and then you'll no longer be able to attack me," he said.

AAP

The odd declaration was sparked by earlier comments made by Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi who spoke about "a new far-right conservative movement" in Australia that she said was responsible for whipping up hate and creating division among communities.

Senator Faruqi said many participants of this movement, she called "merchants of hate", were members of parliament and singled out Pauline Hanson and One Nation.

"They prey on the anxieties of Australians and offer solutions that are empty, hateful and divisive. They shadow-box with imaginary enemies, whipping up hysteria against minorities to cover for their own inadequacies. Why? Because they find it easier to destroy communities than to build them. Where is their vision?" the Greens senator asked.

AAP

Senator O'Sullivan hit back, calling Senator Faruqi's contribution to the senate as "outrageous".

"Some of us have come in here with reasonably strong views on conservative issues, only to be attacked and frustrated by the Greens. They are so far to the Left, you wouldn't find them if you had two pairs of bifocals on at the same time. It is outrageous," he said.

READ MORE Abortion has been decriminalised in Queensland

"She comes in here and makes attacks on us to continue to try and marginalise those of us in this place and the other place that are centre Right conservatives. We can't open our traps. You cannot say the word 'abortion' without being attacked by this mob of almost—I would say 'grubs' if I didn't think you were going to make me withdraw it, Mr Acting Deputy President," he said.

BREAKING: Barry O'Sullivan declares himself a woman; immediately suffers 26% pay cut, faces challenge for preselection, & is propositioned by Barnaby Joyce. pic.twitter.com/eOY3g5ca1I — Kenny Devine (@TheKennyDevine) November 14, 2018

If Barry O'Sullivan wants to use female pronouns, we should never let her forget it for the rest of her life. She won't be mad. It's what she wants. — Rob Stott (@Rob_Stott) November 14, 2018

"I will not stand silent. I will not stand mute while these people try to continue to marginalise policies and ideas that we want to discuss for this nation that I think are still largely supported by the majority of the nation," he added.