Far-right U.S. commentator and podcast host Candace Owens has lost her appeal to enter Australia after the country’s High Court upheld the government’s decision to deny her visa. Owens originally planned to visit in October 2024, but Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke ruled she failed the character test, citing her “extremist and inflammatory comments towards Muslim, Black, Jewish and LGBTQIA+ communities which generate controversy and hatred.” Owens appealed the decision, arguing it violated her right to free speech. But the court rejected that claim, noting Australia protects only political speech from prosecution. Owens must now cover the government’s legal costs following the failed appeal.
