A B.C.-based Christian non-profit is suing Quebec City for alleged violations of the Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms after the city cancelled a show by U.S. Christian musician Sean Feucht. Constitutional lawyer Olivier Séguin filed the lawsuit this week on behalf of Burn 24/7 Canada, which organized Feucht’s musical worship and prayer tour in Canada. In the lawsuit, Séguin argues the last-minute cancellation amounts to discrimination based on political opinion, freedom of expression and freedom of religion. “With regards to Quebec City, they cancel [Feucht] because there was a wave of cancellation, and they just entered into the wave,” Séguin said. “And the reason there was a wave of cancellations is because of his political opinion; his religious beliefs; and they try to impede on his free speech too.” Feucht is not involved in the lawsuit and is designated as a “respondent” in court documents. His scheduled performances in Halifax, Charlottetown and Moncton were also cancelled. At the time, officials in Halifax cited complaints from residents and planned protests that raised security concerns as the reason for the cancellation. Feucht, who has been described as a “MAGA superstar,” was scheduled to perform at the ExpoCité venue in July as part of the Canadian leg of his “Revive in 25” tour. His religious and political views have grabbed the attention of U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration after Feucht spoke out against “gender ideology,” abortion and the LGBTQ+ community. Quebec City previously said in a statement the presence of a “controversial artist” was not mentioned in the contract signed between ExpoCité and Burn 24/7 Canada. “In this era of cancel culture, it’s become commonplace for people to be cancelled because of what they said, sometimes because of what they did, or simply for not thinking the ‘right’ way,” Séguin added. “When public officials — governments, municipal governments like in Quebec City, and even federal entities such as Parks Canada in Halifax at York Redoubt — become the main actors in that cancellation, it’s completely unacceptable. Why? Because governments are bound, like everyone else, by the Quebec Charter of Human Rights.” He noted everyone is equal before the law, and the government cannot “cancel” someone or refuse to contract with someone based on their opinions. These allegations have not been proven in court. The group is seeking reimbursement of the $2,609.93 lease, declaratory relief for constitutional rights violations, and $5,000 in punitive or Charter damages. With files from CTV News’ Joe Lofaro.
