Jewish leaders call for ban on US provocateur Candace Owens from entering the country

The Zionist Federation of Australia wants the government to block Owens’ visa for her speaking tour due to her ‘vile, divisive, and dangerous conspiracy theories’.

Jewish leaders are calling for the government to ban far-right provocateur Candace Owens from entering Australia for her upcoming speaking tour due to her “vile, divisive, and dangerous conspiracy theories”.

The American extremist, who came to prominence as a pro-Donald Trump commentator, is due to travel across the country in November, offering fans the chance to experience her “intellect and fearlessness”, for $95 a ticket.

The Zionist Federation of Australia has written a letter to Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke urging him not to allow her into the country, claiming she fails to meet the character requirements for entry. The group’s leaders Jeremy Leibler and Alon Cassuto have pointed to her history of Holocaust denial and conspiracy theories relating to Israel, Muslims and the LGBTQI community.

The letter, seen by The Australian, said: “We believe that granting her a visa poses a significant risk of inciting discord within the Australian community and vilifying Jewish Australians, along with other minority and ethnic groups.”

Australian Jewish Association chief executive Robert Gregory echoed their calls, saying: “Candace Owens spreads malicious lies and conspiracies against Jews. Quite frankly she has begun to sound increasingly deranged. We believe in free speech but I’m not sure that many Australians would want to pay to hear her speak.”

Ms Owens, who served as communications director for conservative group Turning Point USA, has 18 million followers on social media. Australia has previously denied visas for provocateurs including Holocaust denier David Icke and far-right agitator Milo Yiannopoulos.

The Australian contacted tour promoters Doyen PR for comment.