Australia has blocked conservative American commentator Candace Owens from entering the country for a planned November tour, citing her history of inflammatory remarks. Immigration Minister Tony Burke made the decision after consulting with anti-discrimination advisors and community leaders, citing Owens’ “capacity to incite discord” due to past statements that downplayed the Holocaust, targeted Muslims, and disparaged LGBTQ+ rights.
Owens had scheduled events in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and more, drawing opposition from groups warning of her history with conspiracy theories and antisemitic tropes. Alon Cassuto, CEO of the Zionist Federation of Australia, called the ban a win for “social cohesion,” affirming that “bigotry and antisemitism are unacceptable.” The tour, promoted as an opportunity for “candid conversations on controversial issues,” had been marketed by her team as a platform for alternative views, sparking concerns among officials and community advocates alike.
Owens, a vocal critic of pandemic measures and Australia’s own COVID policies, recently claimed U.S. intervention might be warranted to “liberate” Australians, drawing comparisons to totalitarian regimes. This, along with other divisive statements, fueled further public unease. Her visa denial highlights Australia’s firm stance against figures whose messages are seen as divisive, particularly when threatening to destabilize social unity.
