Immigration authorities in New Zealand have denied US conservative commentator Candace Owens entry into the country for a planned speaking tour. This decision follows closely on the heels of Australia's refusal to grant her a visa, invoking her controversial statements, including denial of Nazi medical experiments on Jews during World War II. Owens, known for her polarizing views and substantial online following, was slated to engage audiences in both countries next year.
This latest turn of events underscores the growing scrutiny over Owens's rhetoric, often criticized for fueling conspiracy theories and promoting anti-Semitic views. Despite her intentions to discuss topics like free speech and Christianity during her talks, officials have expressed concerns over her potential to incite discord. Australia's Immigration Minister Tony Burke highlighted this point by emphasizing the national interest in keeping Owens out of the country due to her divisive comments about the Holocaust and Muslims.
The refusal by New Zealand is specifically tied to regulations prohibiting visas to individuals barred from entering other countries. This principle played a pivotal role in their decision, as stated by Jock Gilray, a spokesperson for New Zealand's immigration agency. Meanwhile, the promoter responsible for organizing Owens's tour has yet to comment on these developments.
Owens’s controversies are not limited to her international engagements but extend into her professional life as well. Earlier this year, she parted ways with the Daily Wire after disputes over her contentious remarks and stance against US military aid to Israel.
As tickets for her scheduled appearances continue to be sold without any official acknowledgment of these visa refusals, it remains unclear how this situation will unfold. However, what is evident is the increasing global resistance against figures whose platforms are built on divisive and harmful rhetoric.
This latest turn of events underscores the growing scrutiny over Owens's rhetoric, often criticized for fueling conspiracy theories and promoting anti-Semitic views. Despite her intentions to discuss topics like free speech and Christianity during her talks, officials have expressed concerns over her potential to incite discord. Australia's Immigration Minister Tony Burke highlighted this point by emphasizing the national interest in keeping Owens out of the country due to her divisive comments about the Holocaust and Muslims.
The refusal by New Zealand is specifically tied to regulations prohibiting visas to individuals barred from entering other countries. This principle played a pivotal role in their decision, as stated by Jock Gilray, a spokesperson for New Zealand's immigration agency. Meanwhile, the promoter responsible for organizing Owens's tour has yet to comment on these developments.
Owens’s controversies are not limited to her international engagements but extend into her professional life as well. Earlier this year, she parted ways with the Daily Wire after disputes over her contentious remarks and stance against US military aid to Israel.
As tickets for her scheduled appearances continue to be sold without any official acknowledgment of these visa refusals, it remains unclear how this situation will unfold. However, what is evident is the increasing global resistance against figures whose platforms are built on divisive and harmful rhetoric.
