Simran Joshi
Controversial right-wing broadcaster Candace Owens has been denied entry into Australia ahead of her scheduled speaking tour in major cities including Adelaide, Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Sydney.
The Department of Immigration cited concerns over her potential to incite discord within the community, with Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke emphasizing that her views are better suited for “somewhere else.” Owens, known for her provocative stances on race, gender, and social issues, has faced backlash for her inflammatory remarks, including those perceived as antisemitic.
The decision to ban her has garnered support from Jewish leaders and organizations, who argue that her presence in Australia would undermine social harmony and respect.
Controversy Over Candace Owens
The current polarizing figure in political commentary, Candace Owens, is notable for making very provocative remarks on race, gender, and social issues. Already facing significant backlash over the planned speaking tour in Australia due to her history of incendiary remarks, many labelling them as antisemitic, the controversy with the Australian Department of Immigration culminated in the denial of her visa over concerns that she may promote discord among communities.
Due to her contentious theories, most of which have been lies that claim the wrongdoings of Israel regarding past catastrophes, Owens has garnered so much publicity. Some of her claims are those that downplay the magnitude of the Holocaust and engage in conspiracy theory. Her statements have prompted public outcries, with individuals stating that she is going to threaten the cohesion of the society and demands that she be excluded from Australia.
Australian officials and Jewish organizations reaction
Tony Burke, Australian Home Affairs minister, on his part, defended the same publically, stating Owens’ ideologies do not give way to the idea of social cohesion that Australia boasts. Indicatively, he informed that all her stories are understood to be divisive, and therefore harmful to respect and mutual understanding that Australia harbors. Therefore, Burke’s comments give a deeper perception in society as regards the dirty ideologies poisoning the minds of a member in the society.
The leaders and institutions of the Jewish community also applaud this ban as significant in keeping the community’s welfare away from antisemitic speakers like Owens. The Zionist Federation of Australia welcomed the move, suggesting that history itself disqualifies her based on the character requirement for entry into the country. This shared response resonates with a broader consensus: that extremism of any form has no place in societal cohesion.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings