The Free Speech Union (FSU) has urged Immigration New Zealand not to follow Australia’s decision to deny entry to American commentator Candace Owens.
FSU Council Member Dane Giraud criticised Australia’s move, labelling it a “foolish choice” likely to increase attention on Owens and her controversial views.
Owens, known for her provocative political opinions, is set to tour New Zealand next month, sparking calls from some groups for a visa denial over her stance on sensitive topics, including the Holocaust. Giraud argued that “provocative or unpopular opinions are not a reason to deny someone’s entry into a country.”
In a press statement, Giraud stressed that New Zealanders’ rights to free speech should be respected, underscoring the importance of open debate as a cornerstone of democracy. “Bad ideas are beaten by good ideas,” he said, adding that challenging opposing viewpoints can only strengthen public discourse.
The Free Speech Union sees the potential visa denial as a counterproductive form of censorship that risks stirring greater interest in Owens’ message. Giraud noted Australia’s recent decision, asserting it had created “more interest in Owens and her views” than allowing her entry would have.
Giraud also cautioned that barring Owens could foster resentment among minority groups and warned against censorship in the name of protection.
“If New Zealanders don’t want to engage with Owens, they don’t need to attend her events,” he concluded, reiterating that Kiwis should have the freedom to decide which voices they engage with and to form their own opinions.
Immigration NZ considers visa for far-right commentator Candace Owens after Australia bars entry
https://centrist.co.nz/immigration-nz-considers-visa-for-far-right-commentator-candace-owens-after-australia-bars-entry/
Even if they let her in the country she will not be allowed to speak, remember what happened to Lauren Southern and Stefan Molyneux when they tried to speak here the looney left called them all the names under the sun and had them shut down. NZ as a govt / globalist puppet system has not cared about genuine free speech for a very, very long time. Free speech truly works best when you let people you disagree with have a voice as well.
When You blow away the thin veneer of BS the truth always comes out
Nothing pervades light
Which is the way and the truth and the life
The gate is straight and the road is narrow
Of course Candace should be allowed to visit.
That that is even a question shows the state of New Zealand.
New Zealand is ruined by a bunch of sticky-beak know-it-all megalomaniac narcissists who otherwise could not hold a job or find employment.
Their useless parasitic mentality has brought politics and this country to an abyss.
As long as the sheeple don’t wake up and take action, this will only get worse.
They’re waiting for a call from America to decide yes or no.
Larry Fink is basically our PM, correct.
Yes, the Zionists are in charge and control ALL corporate governments and ALL NGO’s, not forgetting the privately owned Central banks.
Yep, the Govt is having an investigation into the banks on why farmers have higher interest rates. The banks get their rate from the reserve bank of NZ, the Reserve Bank of NZ operates under legislation set down by the Govt, make this make sense.
He ” owns” the world. At least for the time being.
But times are a-changing….
Oh go on NZ govt, prove NZ like Australia is little more than a colony of corporate WOKE/DEI USA…..its hardly a secret at this point………..
What grounds do they have to deny?
Giraud must’ve almost choked on his bile to have released those statements.
He’s previously used his position at the FSU to throw around the “antisemitism” slur and shut down speech on anything related.
It’s a double-barrelled win right there!
Thank you again FSU! Crazy that INZ think people are so dumb to not think banning someone will stop people watching Candace and for what reason, coz she speaks the truth! Pathetic INZ just like the bs AEWV screwing new Zealanders over again – F U! Help NZ first our freedoms are being choked again! How many times do these bs bureaucrats get away with this, they must be stopped!