Australia Denies Far-Right Influencer Candace Owens' Visa Over Controversial Views

Australian highest court supports government's decision to deny visa to far-right influencer Candace Owens. Application rejected due to her history of controversial comments on sensitive topics. Owens challenged the decision on political communication grounds, but the court upheld the government's move as a measure to maintain social harmony.

Far-right U.S. influencer Candace Owens has been denied entry into Australia after the nation’s highest court supported the government's decision on Wednesday. Owens' visa application was initially rejected over fears she could incite community discord.

Owens, known for her controversial conservative views, planned a speaking tour in November 2024. However, Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke cited her history of Holocaust denial and Islamophobic remarks as reasons to deny her visa. Burke wields the authority to prevent entry based on character issues under the Migration Act.

The High Court found that while the Migration Act did burden political communication, it did so to protect the community from divisive visitors. Judges noted that the implied freedom of speech is not absolute. Burke stated the decision supports social cohesion, remarking that Owens' views were found to foster discord and thus rejected under the character test.