Australia has taken a firm stand against right-wing extremist Candace Owens, blocking her from entering the country for a planned speaking tour. Officials have declared that permitting her presence would not align with the nation’s “national interest.”
Immigration Minister Tony Burke condemned Owens for her inflammatory rhetoric, highlighting her history of downplaying the Holocaust and making outrageous claims about Muslims.
“Candace Owens has a proven track record of inciting division and spreading dangerous misinformation,” Burke stated. “Australia’s national interest is best served when she is somewhere else.”
With tickets to her events priced at $100, Burke quipped, “I hope she has a good refund policy.”
The decision to deny Owens a visa followed growing pressure from local leaders and advocacy groups. Owens has previously dismissed narratives about Nazi medical experiments as mere “propaganda,” prompting outrage. The Anti-Defamation Commission hailed the government’s action as a “victory for truth,” emphasizing that Australia will not tolerate those who trivialize the suffering of genocide survivors. Chairman Dvir Abramovich declared, “This is a line in the sand.”
Owens was scheduled to speak in major cities, including Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, on topics like “freedom of speech” and “why Christ really is king.” However, following public outcry, she attempted to downplay the backlash during an interview with Sydney radio station 2GB. “It’s astonishing to see people so fearful of speech and conversation,” she remarked. “But I promise you, it is not going to harm you to hear different ideas.”
This isn’t the first time Owens has faced controversy; in March, the conservative outlet Daily Wire severed ties with her amid allegations of antisemitism and internal disputes over her comments on the Israel-Hamas conflict. Her claims about “secret Jewish gangs” controlling Hollywood have further fueled her notoriety.
Owens’ exclusion from Australia sends a powerful message that the nation stands resolute against hate speech and divisive rhetoric, prioritizing the well-being of its citizens over the agendas of provocateurs.
