Immigration authorities in New Zealand on Thursday overturned an earlier decision to bar conservative commentator Candace Owens from entering the country—a move which was attributed to a similar visa ban implemented by Australia over her history of controversial comments targeting Muslims and questioning the Holocaust.
Candace Owens' New Zealand visa ban was overturned after the country's Associate Immigration ... [+]
According to public broadcaster Radio New Zealand, the decision to overturn Owen’s visa denial was made by the country’s Associate Immigration Minister Chris Penk.
Penk told the broadcaster he received a request for ministerial intervention from Owens and he “made his decision after considering representations made to him, including the importance of free speech.”
Owens was denied entry into New Zealand under an immigration law that allows authorities in the country to deny a visa to someone if they have been “excluded from another country,” which in this instance was neighboring Australia.
Owens’ entry ban in Australia still remains in effect and it is unclear if she has appealed the decision.
The conservative pundit has not personally commented on the decision but she shared an Instagram story of another user calling it a “big win” for free speech.
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Owens’ Australian visa application was rejected last month. She was scheduled to visit the country for a speaking tour in February and March next year, with an event in Auckland, New Zealand also part of the schedule. Australia’s Immigration Minister Tony Burke cited Owens’ comments by Owens that “downplay[ed]
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