U.S. conservative commentator Candace Owens has been barred from entering Australia due to concerns that her views might "incite discord" within the community.
The Australian government's Home Affairs Minister, Tony Burke, cited Owens' controversial statements as key reasons for denying her visa application.
In a significant ruling, Australia’s highest court unanimously upheld the government's decision, stating that Owens failed a crucial "character test" required for visa approval.
Owens intended to visit Australia for a speaking tour in 2024, but her entry was blocked as her past remarks on issues like the Holocaust and Islam raised alarm.
The case shines a light on the complexities of free speech in Australia, where constitutional protections differ markedly from those in the U.S.
Alongside the legal defeat, Owens has been ordered to cover court costs, underscoring the implications of her controversial persona in international settings.
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