A non-profit organization with religious roots, established by an American Christian musician whose concert in Moncton was canceled last year, is taking legal action against the city. The City of Moncton rescinded permits for a performance by Sean Feucht planned at a public park on the riverfront in July. Burn 24/7 Canada, the non-profit led by Feucht, filed a notice of action in Moncton court on August 4, asserting that the city’s halt to the “musical worship show” violated the organization’s freedom of expression rights.
According to the claim, these violations are significant as they impede fundamental civil liberties crucial to Canadian democracy and resulted in substantial harm. Burn 24/7 Canada alleges that the cancellation infringed on rights outlined in section 2(b) of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The organization’s lawsuit contends that the cancellation was unjustified, citing concerns related to the event’s expression of conservative Christian values and support for the U.S. President.
Feucht, known as a Christian missionary and singer with controversial views on various social issues, leads an organization that hosts events in both Canada and the United States. The organization’s tour, “Let Us Worship,” aims to bring Christian worship and the Gospel message to cities across Canada. The legal dispute arose after the City of Moncton revoked event permits two days before the scheduled show, citing non-compliance with the city’s Code of Conduct and safety concerns related to planned protests.
The lawsuit claims that safety concerns were not a valid reason for the cancellation and suggests that it was motivated by the perceived conservative Christian values of Feucht. The organization seeks recognition of the infringement of its rights and aims to discourage similar actions by governments in the future. The claim also demands $50,000 in damages for costs incurred due to the event’s relocation to an alternative venue.
Despite the legal action, the claims made by Burn 24/7 Canada have not yet been adjudicated in court. The City of Moncton declined to comment on the matter, citing ongoing legal proceedings. Feucht’s show faced similar cancellations near Halifax and Charlottetown last year, prompting legal action against Quebec City in November. The organization’s lawyer emphasized the importance of protecting free expression, particularly for controversial speakers, to prevent future infringements on rights.