Candace Owens denied entry to Australia, High Court upholds ban

Australia’s High Court upheld visa denial for MAGA influencer Candace Owens, citing risk of community discord

Conservative political commentator Candace Owens has been denied a visa to enter Australia after the country's High Court unanimously upheld the government's decision, citing concerns that her presence could incite social discord. The ruling, issued on Wednesday, sided with Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, who initially blocked Owens’ application in October 2024 under the "character test" provision of Australia's Migration Act.

Owens, known for her polarizing commentary on topics including race, gender, religion, and public health, had planned a multi-city speaking tour in Australia for November 2024. However, Burke argued that her views were 'extremist and inflammatory', particularly toward Muslim, Black, Jewish, and LGBTQIA+ communities, and that her presence posed a risk of amplifying tensions and inciting division. He added that granting her entry would not serve Australia’s national interest.

The High Court’s justices—Stephen Gageler, Michelle Gordon, and Robert Beech-Jones—ruled that while Australia’s Constitution implies a limited freedom of political communication, it does not amount to a personal or absolute right. The court found that the Migration Act’s restrictions serve a legitimate purpose in protecting the public from potential harm caused by divisive figures.

Justice James Edelman, in a separate opinion, firmly rejected Owens’ legal arguments, and the court also ordered her to cover the government's legal costs. Owens had argued that the visa denial violated her right to political expression, but the court determined that such freedom can be lawfully restricted in the context of immigration controls.

This is not the first time Australia has denied entry to a controversial American figure. In July, rapper Kanye West had his visa revoked over concerns about antisemitic content in his music.

New Zealand had initially followed suit by denying Owens a visa, but later reversed the decision, citing the importance of free speech. Owens has not issued a public statement in response to the Australian court ruling.