Latest news with #Feucht
Vancouver Sun
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Vancouver Sun
B.C. cities face backlash over public venues booked for controversial U.S. preacher
City officials in West Kelowna and Abbotsford say they are reviewing safety protocols and event permitting ahead of appearances by Sean Feucht, a U.S. Christian musician and preacher whose Canadian 'worship tour' has already faced a wave of cancellations elsewhere in the country. Feucht is scheduled to appear in West Kelowna's Memorial Park on Aug. 23 and Abbotsford's Mill Lake Park on Aug. 24 as part of his 'Let Us Worship: Revive In 25' cross-country tour. Last week, authorities, including Parks Canada in Halifax and municipal officials in Charlottetown, Quebec City, Moncton, Gatineau and Vaughan — revoked permits or cancelled events, citing public safety concerns or misalignment with community values. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Feucht, a MAGA-supporting Christian Nationalist worship-music singer said on X on July 24, 'If I had shown up with purple hair and a dress, claiming to be a woman, the government wouldn't have said a word.' He later claimed on X the cancellations were 'blatant Christian persecution in Canada.' On July 27, Feucht posted a copy of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms on X, saying, 'Testing to see if this still means anything up here anymore?' If Feucht, an audience member or a venue wants to use the cancellations in a Charter challenge over freedom of speech, they would most likely be out of luck, according to Joel Bakan, a constitutional expert with the Allard School of Law at the University of B.C. 'On the basis of my knowledge of the content that he is expressing, it is content that is likely to promote hatred or contempt of LGBTQ people,' said Bakan. Under the B.C. Human Rights Act, any content 'likely' to promote hatred or contempt is a violation of B.C. law. Bakan said there have been numerous Charter challenges and court rulings on the constitutionality of restricting free speech under Canada's Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Limitations to speech likely to promote hatred or contempt of individuals or groups provided in provincial human rights legislation have been upheld by the Supreme Court of Canada and are not a violation of the guarantee of freedom of expression set out in section 2B of the Charter. In a 2013 ruling, the Supreme Court of Canada clarified the limits of freedom of speech under the Charter, in Saskatchewan (Human Rights Commission) v. Whatcott, a case involving the distribution of anti-gay pamphlets in schools. The Supreme Court found that the prohibition in Section 14(1)(b) of the Charter, in which expressions that expose any person or class of persons to hatred on the basis of a prohibited ground, including sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, sex, marital or family status, is 'a reasonable and demonstrably justified limit on the right to freedom of expression.' Canada has a distinctively Canadian constitutional framework, compared to the American constitution. 'Ours allows for restrictions on speech that promotes hatred or that are discriminatory or promote toxic values,' said Bakan. 'The reason for this is that when you engage in speech that promotes hatred or is likely to promote hatred, you are silencing the people you are targeting, so it's a net loss,' said Bakan. 'Hate speech has a free-speech destroying effect.' The tour has drawn criticism from some B.C. residents who argue Feucht's public positions on abortion, gender identity and 2SLGBTQ+ rights are divisive and harmful. Abbotsford resident Ali Neufeld, who sent a letter to city officials this week, urged the municipality to reconsider allowing the event at Mill Lake Park. 'While I understand the importance of upholding free speech, this principle should not come at the expense of public safety, inclusivity, or the well-being of marginalized groups,' she wrote. Neufeld said her family has spent many joyful days at Mill Lake, but 'would not feel safe or welcome if the event proceeds. We cannot, in good conscience, support a space that provides a platform for hate under the guise of faith or music.' In West Kelowna, resident Wilbur Turner expressed similar concerns in a public social media post. He urged city officials to reconsider permitting Feucht's concert at Memorial Park. 'This kind of event does not reflect the inclusive, welcoming community that is valued in West Kelowna and the Okanagan. Public spaces belong to everyone, and they should not be used as platforms to make community members feel unwelcome or unsafe because of who they are,' Turner wrote. The City of West Kelowna confirmed to Postmedia that they are ' closely monitoring the circumstances surrounding the tour of Sean Feucht who has been booked at the Memorial Park amphitheatre for Aug. 23.' Communications manager Ashley Stewart said, 'We are listening and understand the concerns raised by members of the public regarding the performer,' and that the city is working with the RCMP to assess public safety related to the event. The City of Abbotsford has received correspondence from members of the public in relation to the proposed concert, said spokesperson Katherine Treloar. The City of Abbotsford said the Burn 24.7 Canada Worship Ministries Society, affiliated with Sean Feucht, has applied to the city for a 'special events permit.' The permit is under review as part of the city's permit process, said Treloar. Treloar said she could not provide any specifics, but added that community safety considerations are a significant component of every event permit application review for the City of Abbotsford. Feucht has pushed back against the cancellations, rescheduling concerts at the last minute to private property and vowing on social media that he is 'not backing down.' Parks Canada says its decision to cancel a planned concert in the Halifax area for the night of June 22 was based on evolving security risks and expected protests. Feucht later held the event in a farmer's field 70 kilometres away. In a statement Feucht posted to social media Friday, he accused Canadian authorities of targeting him for his faith. 'Here's the hard truth: If I had shown up with purple hair and a dress, claiming to be a woman, the government wouldn't have said a word. But to publicly profess deeply held Christian beliefs is to be labelled an extremist,' wrote Feucht. Feucht held a concert in a township just outside Ottawa on Saturday after the National Capital Commission cancelled a scheduled performance in Gatineau. On Friday, an evangelical Montreal church hosted a Feucht concert without a permit, and was promptly fined by city officials. sgrochowski@
Global News
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Global News
West Kelowna raises concerns over MAGA musician's planned performance
A British Columbia city says it has 'increased concerns' about public safety over an upcoming concert by an American Christian musician who's outspoken in the Make America Great Again movement. Sean Feucht is due to play at the Memorial Park Amphitheatre in West Kelowna on Aug. 23, but the city says in a statement that it is reviewing safety and security plans connected to the private booking. Feucht, who ran unsuccessfully as a Republican for U.S. Congress in 2020, is a supporter of U.S. President Donald Trump, and has previously been criticized over his remarks about the LGBTQ+ community and his opposition to abortion. 2:04 Venues pulling permits for controversial MAGA musician set to perform in Edmonton A spokeswoman for West Kelowna says in a statement issued Tuesday that staff are reviewing the safety and security plans of the private booking and working with the RCMP to assess public safety for this event. Story continues below advertisement The city says that 'limited information' had been provided by the event organizer at the time of the booking, although the organizer needs to meet the necessary security and safety requirements. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The artist has faced backlash on the Canadian tour, with six of his concerts scheduled in Central and Eastern Canada cancelled last week. Feucht is also scheduled to host another show in Abbotsford's Mill Lake Park on Aug. 24, and the city says that it is reviewing the host's special events permit. No one from Feucht's tour replied to a request for comment.
CTV News
7 hours ago
- Politics
- CTV News
City denies permit for controversial Christian musician's Winnipeg appearance
The City of Montreal has fined a local church for hosting a concert by the U.S.-based Christian musician Sean Feucht. The City of Montreal has fined a local church for hosting a concert by the U.S.-based Christian musician Sean Feucht. The City of Winnipeg has cancelled a booking permit for a controversial musician who has had shows cancelled throughout eastern Canada. The city confirmed Tuesday it denied a Central Park booking request for a performance by Christian musician Sean Feucht on Aug. 20. A spokesperson for the city said the booking was for the 'exclusive use of the park,' for an event, which included a concert. 'After careful analysis, we've determined it is not operationally feasible to allow the event at Central Park,' the city spokesperson said in a statement. 'As this is not in a ticketed event, forecasting attendance is a challenge; that in turn presents additional operational challenges.' Feucht has spoken out against 'gender ideology,' abortion and the LGBTQ2S+ community. His religious and political views have also grabbed the attention of U.S. President Donald Trump's administration. Feucht has had concerts cancelled in Halifax, Quebec City, Moncton, Gatineau, and Charlottetown in recent weeks. A church in Montreal was recently fined for hosting a performance by Feucht without a permit. The city spokesperson said Central Park is 'highly utilized by community members' on summer days and is often used by day camps and daycares. 'An influx of the more than 2,000 people the applicant expects would detract from the service the park provides to area residents,' the spokesperson said. 'Additionally, emergency services has raised concerns that foot traffic, vehicle volumes, and parking utilization could prevent emergency crews from reaching a number of supportive housing residences and personal care homes in the area that have frequent calls for service.' Feucht has performances scheduled in Saskatoon, Edmonton, Kelowna and Abbotsford in August. CTV News has reached out to Feucht for comment and is awaiting a response. - With files from The Canadian Press
Winnipeg Free Press
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
West Kelowna, B.C., has safety, security concerns ahead of MAGA singer's show
WEST KELOWNA – A British Columbia city says it has 'increased concerns' about public safety over an upcoming concert by an American Christian musician who's outspoken in the Make America Great Again movement. Sean Feucht is due to play at the Memorial Park Amphitheatre in West Kelowna on Aug. 23, but the city says in a statement that it is reviewing safety and security plans connected to the private booking. Feucht, who ran unsuccessfully as a Republican for U.S. Congress in 2020, is a supporter of U.S. President Donald Trump, and has previously been criticized over his remarks about the LGBTQ+ community and his opposition to abortion. A spokeswoman for West Kelowna says in a statement issued Tuesday that staff are reviewing the safety and security plans of the private booking and working with the RCMP to assess public safety for this event. The city says that 'limited information' had been provided by the event organizer at the time of the booking, although the organizer needs to meet the necessary security and safety requirements. The artist has faced backlash on the Canadian tour, with six of his concerts scheduled in Central and Eastern Canada cancelled last week. Feucht is also scheduled to host another show in Abbotsford's Mill Lake Park on Aug. 24, and the city says that it is reviewing the host's special events permit. Weekly A weekly look at what's happening in Winnipeg's arts and entertainment scene. No one from Feucht's tour replied to a request for comment. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July, 29, 2025.
Vancouver Sun
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Vancouver Sun
Who is Sean Feucht and why is he controversial?
Sean Feucht, a far-right U.S. Christian singer-songwriter and preacher, is scheduled to appear in West Kelowna and Abbotsford next month as part of his Let Us Worship: Revive in '25 tour. The tour, however, has not been without its controversies across Canada. Here's what you should know about Sean Feucht ahead of his scheduled B.C. stops next month. Feucht is a U.S. Christian singer-songwriter, preacher and founder of the Let Us Worship organization. He formerly led worship at the charismatic Bethel Church in Redding, Calif. and has released a number of worship albums. He has espoused many of Donald Trump's MAGA ideologies and aligns with Christian nationalist views. Feucht's Revive in '25 tour was set to visit more than two dozen cities across North America before running into cancellations in Eastern Canada. Those cancellations include Halifax, Charlottetown, Quebec City, Moncton, Gatineau and Vaughn. To date, at least six cities and venues have revoked permits for Feucht's shows or outright cancelled the events due to concerns over public safety and anti-LGBTQ views held by Feucht, along with his history of other controversies. Other cities have said they are reviewing their safety plans in advance of Feucht's visit. My official Statement on the Let Us Worship Canada Tour 🇨🇦🙏🏽 Here's the hard truth: If I had shown up with purple hair and a dress, claiming to be a woman, the government wouldn't have said a word. But to publicly profess deeply held Christian beliefs is to be labeled an… Get top headlines and gossip from the world of celebrity and entertainment. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sun Spots will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Mass gatherings during COVID-19: During the height of the pandemic when health officials advised against large events, Feucht hosted mass gatherings across the U.S. under the guise of being worship gatherings . Feucht claimed the events were to protest lockdown restrictions, which he felt were oppressive to Christians, while critics pointed out the events flew in the face of public health advice and could be super-spreader events. Polarizing views on the Black Lives Matter movement: While Feucht has said he believes Black lives matter, he has publicly called the BLM movement 'shady' and a 'fraud,' and that 'we can't let our God-given empathy get hijacked by a dark movement with hidden agendas.' Anti-LGBTQ views: In 2022, Feucht was among those who led anti-LGBTQ protests in Southern California in response to Disney's opposition of Florida's Don't Say Gay law. In 2023, he also posted online that ' the LGBTQ+ mafia is a cult bent on perverting and destroying the innocence of every child they can.' He also previous posted online that Pride Month 'is the month you discover which people, businesses, influencers, corporations & ministries have sold their soul to a demonic agenda seeking to destroy our culture and pervert our children.' Failed congressional campaign and anti-abortion views: In 2020, Feucht ran unsuccessfully under the Republican party for California's 3rd congressional district, on a platform that included anti-abortion views. During a campaign rally, Feucht criticized 'leaders who feverishly promote the slaughter of the unborn and the newborn.' Proud Boys security detail: At a 2021 gathering, Feucht shared a photo of his supposed security detail, noting that they included 'ex-military, ex-police, private security & most importantly LOVERS OF JESUS & freedom.' Some of the individuals identified in the group photo have been associated with the far-right Proud Boys extremist group and the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. 'If you mess with them or our 1st amendment right to worship God — you'll meet Jesus one way or another,' Feucht captioned the photo. Love concerts, but can't make it to the venue? Stream live shows and events from your couch with VEEPS, a music-first streaming service now operating in Canada. Click here for an introductory offer of 30% off. Explore upcoming concerts and the extensive archive of past performances.
