This copy is for your personal, non-commercial use only. Distribution and use of this material are governed by our Subscriber Agreement and by copyright law. For non-personal use or to order multiple copies, please contact The Epoch Times Reprints.
Christian musician Sean Feucht of California preaches to the crowd during a rally at the National Mall in Washington on Oct. 25, 2020. Jose Luis Magana/AP Photo
Conservatives are demanding an apology from Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture Steven Guilbeault after Parks Canada revoked a permit for American Christian musician Sean Feucht to perform at one of its venues.
In an Aug. 8 letter to Guilbeault, Conservative MP and shadow minister for civil liberties Marilyn Gladu demanded an apology from Guilbeault as well as an assurance that a similar decision will not take place in the future, noting that Parks Canada falls under his area of responsibility.
Feucht had been scheduled to play at the York Redoubt National Historic site run by Parks Canada, near Halifax, on July 23. However, the night before, Parks Canada revoked Feucht’s permit citing safety concerns, causing him to incur expenses and move the concert to another venue.
The cancellation was one of many Feucht has faced from various municipalities, with some citing public safety and others citing his views. The Christian musician has been critical of gender ideology and opposes abortion.
“Every year, millions of our fellow citizens — of many faiths and of none — pay taxes to support Parks Canada. Regardless of whether you agree or disagree with Mr. Feucht’s views, the Charter guarantees freedom of expression in this country,” Gladu wrote, adding that revoking Feucht’s permit “excluded both him and the many Canadians who planned to attend.”
Gladu’s letter added that it was “unacceptable” that Feucht had to absorb the costs of switching venues at the last minute due to having his permit revoked.
“I am asking that you apologize to Mr. Feucht and all Canadians for this violation of our cherished freedoms and ensure this does not happen again in any federal venue,” Gladu wrote in conclusion.
Feucht has stated that he supports U.S. President Donald Trump, although he’s been clear that his concerts are only about spreading his faith and encouraging Christians to worship, and not about any political message.
“Love to see more and more Canadian leaders speaking up for the right for Christians to freely worship!” Feucht posted on X on Aug. 8 in response to Gladu’s letter.
The revoking of Feucht’s permit to play at York Redoubt followed cancellations of concerts by the City of Moncton, which said Feucht’s event was not compliant with its code of conduct, and the City of Charlottetown, which cited “security and safety concerns” as well as concerns from members of the public.
Feucht has also been declined a permit to play in Winnipeg, Man., due to “operational challenges,” as well as having permits being revoked in Quebec City and Gatineau, Que., for what officials described as Feucht’s unacceptable views on gender identity.
The City of Abbotsford, B.C., has also refused to grant Feucht a permit to play there later this month, saying it would be unsafe, prompting the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms to send a warning letter to the city on Aug. 6 in which it said the city is “engaging in unlawful censorship.”
A July 25 concert in Montreal went ahead despite protests and a smoke bomb hurled at Feucht onstage, with no injuries reported. However, the church that hosted Feucht’s concert, Ministerios Restauración/Église MR, now faces a $2,500 fine.
Minister Guilbeault’s office and Parks Canada did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
