Previously-given permission for a performance in West Kelowna by a controversial U.S. singer, preacher, and fervent supporter of U.S. President Donald Trump is being 鈥渞eviewed鈥 by the city.听
Sean Feucht is scheduled to preside over a concert and religious revival at city-owned Memorial Park next to the Johnson-Bentley swimming pool on Aug. 23.听
Parks Canada, the City of Charlottetown and Quebec City have withdrawn permissions previously given for Feucht听performances, citing complaints from some residents and planned protests that are said to have raised concerns about public safety.听
鈥淚n light of safety concerns identified at shows scheduled in Eastern Canada, staff are reviewing the safety considerations of this event,鈥 City of West Kelowna communications manager Ashley Stewart said via email.听
鈥淲hile we understand that some bookings may draw more attention than others, the city must follow fair and equitable procedures and we cannot prohibit or cancel a booking because the views of the artist do not align with the views of the City of West Kelowna or members within our community,鈥 Stewart said.听
Feucht describes himself as a musician, missionary, author, and activist. Having spoken out against 鈥済ender ideology鈥, abortion and the LGBTQ+ community, his religious and political views have grabbed the attention of Trump鈥檚 administration.听
On Tuesday, Parks Canada said it received advice from police and cancelled the permit given to Feucht for his planned performance at the York Redoubt National Historic Site overlooking Halifax harbour. 鈥淎fter careful review, and due to heightened public safety concerns, Parks Canada has notified the organizer that the permit has been cancelled,鈥 Parks Canada said in a statement.
The City of Charlottetown also revoked a permit for Feucht to perform in the PEI capital due to what it called 鈥渆volving public safety and security concerns鈥. But the Quebec City officials specifically described Feucht as a 鈥渃ontroversial artist鈥 in revoking its previously given permission for him to perform at ExpoCite.
In response to Parks Canada鈥檚 decision, Feucht posed a video on his Facebook page saying he was the victim of intolerance.听
鈥淭his is the classic playbook of the media, of the anti-Christian bigots out there that hate Christians,鈥 he said. 鈥淭his is the same, exact place where people gathered for a Pride event last week. But now they鈥檙e not so tolerant when peaceful Christians come together.鈥
Comments on Feucht鈥檚 own social media both supported the revocation of the permits and denounced the actions.
鈥淚t has nothing to do with free speech,鈥 wrote one commenter. 鈥淚t is directly a reflection of Sean鈥檚 political views that support the threat against (Canadian) sovereignty,鈥 a reference to Trump鈥檚 oft-stated desire to make Canada the U.S.鈥檚 51st state.听
But another commenter wrote of the permit revocations, 鈥淚 am embarrassed and ashamed to hear this happening鈥, and another wrote: 鈥淲ow, this is just a Christian event. Not political.鈥
Feucht鈥檚 website shows two performances in B.C. - the Aug. 23 event in West Kelowna and an Aug. 24 event in Abbotsford.听
- with files from The Canadian Press听
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