A Christian worship group is taking legal action against Quebec City for abruptly ending its contract and scrapping the concert of controversial American musician Sean Feucht last summer. Feucht was set to perform at a free event in July at ExpoCité, a venue owned and operated by the city. However, Quebec City canceled the contract the day before his scheduled appearance, following the lead of several other Canadian cities that axed events planned for Feucht’s “Revive in 25” tour due to public outcry over his contentious viewpoints.
Feucht, known for his outspoken opposition to the 2SLGBTQ+ community, abortion rights, and critical race theory, made an unsuccessful bid for U.S. Congress in 2020 as a Republican and has since aligned himself with the MAGA political movement. Halifax was the first Canadian city to relocate Feucht’s performance after Parks Canada revoked the event organizer’s permit, prompting other cities, including Quebec City, to do the same.
In a lawsuit filed on November 14, Burn 24/7 Canada Worship Ministries, the organizer of the Canadian events and the Canadian arm of Burn 24/7 founded by Feucht in the U.S., alleges that Quebec City violated constitutional and quasi-constitutional rights, including freedom of religion, expression, opinion, and peaceful assembly, without valid justification. The organization is seeking a refund of $2,609.93 for the rental of space at ExpoCité, along with $5,000 for what it deems as unconstitutional and unwarranted rights violations. Additionally, they are requesting a court declaration of unjustified rights infringements.
The lawsuit contends that Quebec City cited a vague clause to justify canceling the event, claiming that the presence of a controversial artist would harm ExpoCité’s reputation. The city later stated that the contract did not mention the controversial artist’s presence, but the organizer’s lawyer, Olivier Séguin, argued that the city did not inquire about the performer beforehand. Séguin noted that this lawsuit is the first stemming from the tour’s events this past summer and hinted that there could be more litigation to follow.
While other cities cited security concerns for their cancellations, Quebec City allegedly utilized a broad clause allowing ExpoCité to intervene in activities that could harm its interests or reputation. The lawsuit criticizes the city’s reasons for cancellation as unreasonable and lacking legal basis. Séguin emphasized that public spaces should not discriminate based on political or religious beliefs.
The office of Quebec City Mayor Bruno Marchand declined to comment on the ongoing case, stating it is a legal matter. A city spokesperson mentioned the inability to confirm receipt of the lawsuit and stated that no comments would be made if received.