WELLINGTON, New Zealand — A New Zealand immigration official has made the decision to lift a ban on U.S. conservative commentator Candace Owens, emphasizing “the importance of free speech,” according to an announcement made by a spokesperson on Thursday.
Owens is set to partake in events across various Australian cities as well as in Auckland, New Zealand, scheduled for February and March of next year. Previously, in October, Australia’s Immigration Minister Tony Burke had denied her entry into the country due to controversial statements she made regarding the Holocaust, specifically her denial of Nazi medical experiments conducted on Jews during World War II.
With a significant following of over three million on YouTube, Owens faces criticism from opponents who accuse her of promoting conspiracy theories and inciting antisemitism. Her comments have caused backlash, especially those against movements such as Black Lives Matter, alongside her perspectives on feminism, vaccines, and immigration policies.
New Zealand’s immigration authority had initially denied her request for an entertainer’s work permit in November, justifying their refusal by citing laws that prohibit granting visas to individuals barred from other nations.
Owens challenged this ruling by appealing to Associate Immigration Minister Chris Penk. In a statement released from Penk’s office on Thursday, it was revealed that he exercised his discretion and granted a visa to Owens, taking into account the importance of free speech among other considerations.
Despite this development, Owens remains banned from entering Australia. Burke had previously stated that Owens “has the capacity to incite discord in almost every direction,” referencing her comments related to the Holocaust and her views on Muslims.
As of Thursday, Burke’s office did not respond to requests for further information regarding this matter.
Rocksman, the promoter for her scheduled tour, hailed New Zealand’s decision as a victory for free speech and advocates of rigorous debate and open discussions.
In response to the overturning of the ban, Owens labeled the decision as “a step toward a world where individuals are allowed to express their views without fear of censorship or governmental interference.” When initially announcing her speaking engagements in August, Owens had promised audiences in Australia and New Zealand a focus on themes of free speech and her Christian beliefs. Ticket sales for the events continue in both countries.
