The decision by Australian immigration to deny Candace Owens entry into their country is a foolish choice that will only draw more attention to Owens' claims and personality. The Free Speech Union urges Immigration New Zealand not to commit the same blunder and to allow her to speak in New Zealand, says Dane Giraud, Council Member of the Free Speech Union.

“American political commentator Candace Owens is set to visit New Zealand next month. There are pressures to deny her entry to New Zealand over her views on the Holocaust. Provocative or unpopular opinions are not a reason to deny someone’s entry into a country.

“We urge the Minister of Immigration to uphold not just the speech rights of Candace Owens, but more importantly the right for all Kiwis to choose who they listen to.

“We’re far better off when all ideas are out in the open. Bad ideas are beaten by good ideas, and good ideas can only rise to the top in a robust and open debate. Listening to views that go against established opinions is simply an opportunity to make your own argument stronger. If you disagree with Owens, her tour is an opportunity for this.

“Equally, if New Zealanders don’t want to engage with Owens, they don’t need to attend her events.

“Those pushing for Owens' visa to be denied should stop to recognise that censorship doesn’t get us anywhere. Take Australia’s decision as an example: denying Owens' entry has simply created more interest in Owens and her views than there otherwise would have been.

“Censorship in the name of minority groups risks fostering more resentment towards our groups. We are safer challenging bad ideas.

“It is the essence of democracy that Kiwis have the right to choose which voices they listen to and to form their own opinions. This doesn’t stop being true simply when the opinions are controversial.”

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