Candace Owens Faces Entry Bans
Candace Owens , a well-known conservative political commentator, has recently been barred from entering Australia and New Zealand. The decision comes in the wake of her controversial remarks, which have sparked considerable debate and concern among government officials in these countries.
Australia Bars Owens
Australia's decision to deny entry to Owens was confirmed by Immigration Minister Tony Burke . The ban stems from Owens' history of making public statements on sensitive topics including the Holocaust and Muslims, which according to Burke, have the potential to incite discord among communities. The Australian government views her exclusion as a measure to protect national interest.
New Zealand's Position
Following Australia's example, New Zealand is also considering barring Owens under Section 15(1)(f) of their Immigration Act. This section allows New Zealand to conduct character checks and potentially deny entry to individuals who have previously been banned by other countries. As such, Owens, already banned from Australia, falls under this scrutiny.
Continued Promotions Despite Bans
Despite these travel restrictions, promotional materials for Owens' speaking tour still list tickets for sale in both Australia and New Zealand. The situation highlights a significant disconnect between the organizer's plans and the legal realities imposed by the respective governments. This scenario is reminiscent of instances like the ill-fated Fyre Festival, where promotional activities continued amid evident operational failures.
Global Reactions and Impact
The global reaction to Owens' controversial stances has varied. For instance, an Australian Parliament member has previously labeled former U.S. President Donald Trump as a "revolting slug," indicating the level of aversion some lawmakers have towards figures associated with divisive rhetoric. Similarly, in a show of protest, members of the New Zealand parliament performed a haka.
As Owens faces governmental pushback, the debate around her views and the impact of her speeches continues. Whether or not she will be able to carry out her speaking engagements in Australia and New Zealand remains uncertain amid these unfolding governmental reactions.
