A non-profit organization with religious affiliations, established by an American Christian musician whose concert in Moncton was canceled last year, has taken legal action against the city. The City of Moncton withdrew permits for a performance by Sean Feucht scheduled at a public park on the riverfront in July. Burn 24/7 Canada, the non-profit founded by Feucht, initiated legal proceedings in Moncton court on August 4, alleging that the city’s cessation of the “musical worship show” violated the organization’s freedom of expression rights. The organization claimed that the cancellation infringed upon rights protected under section 2(b) of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, emphasizing that such actions undermine fundamental civil liberties critical to Canadian democracy.
Feucht, known as a Christian missionary and vocalist, has been a vocal critic of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, abortion rights, and critical race theory. His organization conducts events in various locations in Canada and the United States. The “Let Us Worship” tour, where Feucht serves as a “worship leader,” aims to bring Christian worship and the message of the Christian Gospel to cities in Canada.
The City of Moncton revoked Feucht’s permits two days before the scheduled show, citing non-compliance with the city’s Code of Conduct in City Facilities. Safety concerns, including potential protests, were also cited as reasons for the cancellation. Feucht’s organization argued that safety concerns were not a valid basis for the cancellation, asserting that it was actually due to the perceived expression of conservative Christian values and support for the former U.S. President.
The lawsuit seeks $50,000 in damages, pointing out that the abrupt cancellation forced the relocation of the event to a settlement north of Fredericton. The organization incurred additional expenses for the new location, such as liability insurance, printing costs, portable toilets, and fuel. Despite the efforts to comply with the city’s requirements, the event’s attendance significantly decreased, resulting in reduced donations.
Organizers maintained that they followed all of the city’s instructions throughout the planning process, providing necessary documentation and details. They also claimed to have trained volunteers prepared to handle security at the event. The city declined to comment on the lawsuit as it is a pending legal matter.
Feucht’s concert faced similar cancellations in other Canadian cities, leading to legal action against Quebec City. The organization’s lawyer emphasized the importance of recognizing and preserving the right to free expression to prevent similar incidents in the future.