A non-profit organization founded by an American Christian musician, whose concert in Moncton was canceled last year, is taking 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 established by Feucht, filed a notice of action in Moncton court on August 4, alleging that the city’s cancellation of the “musical worship show” violated the organization’s freedom of expression rights.
The organization claims that the revocation of permits infringed on rights outlined in section 2(b) of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, emphasizing the significance of these infringements on fundamental civil liberties essential to Canadian democracy. Burn 24/7 Canada argues that the cancellation was unjustified and stemmed from the perception of Feucht’s conservative Christian values and public support for the U.S. President at the time.
Feucht, a Christian missionary and singer known for his controversial views on various topics, including the 2SLGBTQ+ community and abortion rights, embarked on a tour across Canada and the United States under the banner of “Let Us Worship.” The organization aimed to spread Christian worship and the Gospel message in cities across Canada, as described in court documents.
The City of Moncton cited concerns about safety and compliance with its Code of Conduct in City Facilities as reasons for canceling the event, with planned protests at the show adding to the security worries. Burn 24/7 Canada is seeking $50,000 in damages, asserting that the organization incurred expenses due to the sudden change in location for the event, resulting in a significant reduction in donations and attendance.
Despite claims of compliance with the city’s requirements and efforts to ensure a smooth event, the organization faced obstacles leading to the relocation of the show to a settlement north of Fredericton. Burn 24/7 Canada expressed disappointment over the reduced turnout at the new location and emphasized its commitment to upholding city requests throughout the planning process, including providing necessary documentation and security arrangements.
Legal representatives for the organization highlighted the importance of addressing the alleged infringement of rights to prevent similar actions by governmental bodies in the future. The matter is currently before the courts, with the City of Moncton refraining from commenting on the ongoing litigation. Feucht’s show faced cancellations in other Canadian cities as well, with Burn 24/7 Canada taking legal action in response to these incidents.
