A religious non-profit organization established by an American Christian musician, whose concert got canceled in Moncton last year, has initiated legal action against the city. Burn 24/7 Canada, the non-profit founded by Sean Feucht, filed a notice of action in Moncton court on Aug. 4. The organization claims that the city’s revocation of permits for a musical worship event infringed on their rights to freedom of expression.
The notice of action states that the city’s actions had significant consequences as they impeded fundamental civil liberties that are essential to Canadian democracy. Burn 24/7 Canada alleges that the cancellation violated rights outlined in section 2(b) of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Sean Feucht, a Christian missionary and singer known for controversial stances on various issues, leads the organization. Despite facing cancellations in other Canadian cities, Feucht’s organization has continued to host events aimed at spreading Christian worship and the Gospel message.
The legal claim further asserts that the cancellation of the Moncton show was unwarranted, attributing it to the perception of Feucht’s conservative Christian values and support for the former U.S. President. The organization seeks $50,000 in damages, citing financial losses incurred due to the relocation of the event to another venue.
Allegations made by Burn 24/7 Canada have yet to be tested in court, and the city of Moncton declined to comment on the matter, stating that it is a legal issue. The organization’s lawyer emphasized the importance of acknowledging the infringement of their rights to prevent similar actions by authorities in the future.
When the Moncton show was canceled, it was relocated to a settlement north of Fredericton on short notice. Burn 24/7 Canada incurred additional expenses for the new location, including insurance, promotional materials, and logistical arrangements. Despite the relocation, the event saw a significant decrease in attendance, impacting donations and overall event success.
The organization claims it diligently followed the city’s guidelines and requests throughout the event planning process. Despite efforts to comply with all requirements, the sudden cancellation by the city led to financial losses and logistical challenges for Burn 24/7 Canada.