US Firebrand Candace Owens BANNED from Entering Australia: High Court Upholds Visa Denial for Controversial Commentator
- Candace Owens loses appeal to overturn visa ban, with High Court ruling her presence could “incite discord” in Australian communities
- Owens’ lawyers argued the decision was against Australia’s tradition of free expression, but judges found the law valid
- The podcaster was set to embark on a speaking tour in major Australian cities, sparking outrage from across the political spectrum
Controversial US commentator Candace Owens has been dealt a crushing blow, with the High Court upholding a visa ban that prevents her from entering Australia. The unanimous decision comes after Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke refused her visa last year, citing character concerns.
Owens, known for her outspoken views on Israel, the Holocaust, Islam, and LGBTQI issues, had planned to undertake a speaking tour in Sydney, Perth, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Brisbane. However, her lawyers’ appeal to overturn the visa denial was rejected, with the High Court ruling that her presence could “incite discord” in Australian communities.
In a statement, Minister Burke said, “From downplaying the impact of the Holocaust with comments about [Nazi Josef] Mengele through to claims that Muslims started slavery, Candace Owens has the capacity to incite discord in almost every direction. Australia’s national interest is best served when Candace Owens is somewhere else.”
Owens’ lawyers had argued that the decision was against Australia’s well-established tradition of free expression, but the judges found the law valid and applicable to those whose speech could risk harm to Australian communities. The High Court’s ruling marks a significant blow to Owens’ plans to bring her provocative brand of conservatism to Australian shores.
The speaking tour, which promised to “discuss everything they do not want us speaking about,” would have seen Owens spark debate and controversy in equal measure. However, with the High Court’s decision, it seems Australians will be spared her divisive rhetoric – for now.