Chris Penk lifts ban on controversial commentator Candace Owens

In a recent decision, New Zealand’s Associate Minister of Immigration, Chris Penk, overturned a previous ban on American commentator Candace Owens, which had been imposed by Immigration New Zealand. This decision arose after Owens’ application for an Entertainer’s Work Visa was initially denied because she had been refused entry into Australia due to concerns that she might incite discord. Australian Labor Immigration Minister Tony Burke stated that allowing Owens into Australia would not be in the country’s national interest, leading to her exclusion. In contrast, New Zealand’s Free Speech Union argued that the ban was a violation of free speech rights and insisted that being denied entry to another country was not sufficient grounds to deny her entry into New Zealand. Penk's decision has been praised by free speech advocates, who view it as a significant win for the rights of individuals to express their views, regardless of the controversies surrounding them. This situation has highlighted the tension between national immigration policies and the principle of free speech, as different countries take varying stances on who is allowed to enter based on their expressed opinions and past statements. Owens, known for her contentious views—including remarks on Nazi medical experiments and the origins of slavery—remains a polarizing figure, and the reaction to her potential visit shows the complex balance of political considerations and the individual rights of speakers. Despite the ruling in New Zealand, the question remains whether Owens will travel the long distance to visit the country while facing a still-standing ban from Australia.