The City of Vaughan has cancelled a concert featuring theÌýcontroversial American musician Sean Feucht, whichÌýwas set to take place on Sunday afternoon at the Dufferin District Park, the Star has confirmed. Six dates on Feucht’s planned Canadian tour have now been scrapped.
Officials stated that the city “deniedÌýa Special Event Permit” for the concert “on the basis of health and safety as well as community standards and well-being.”
Feucht, a Christian singer, missionary and activist, has drawn criticism for his inflammatory positions on LBGTQ rights, abortion and vaccines, and his political affiliation with the American far right. The Atlantic recently described him as a Ìý
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Feucht performed at Christian-rock concerts in violation of lockdown orders. In 2020, he unsuccessfully ran as a Republican in California’s 3rd congressional district primary.
In a statement shared with the Star, Feucht suggested that “anti-Christian bias” was to blame for the cancellations: “toÌýpublicly profess deeply held Christian beliefs is to be labeled an extremist and to have free worship events classified asÌý‘public safety risks.’”
“WeÌýwill not cower in the face of religious persecution —Ìýwhether in America, Canada, or anywhere else,” the statement added.
People pray, many without masks, during a gathering organized by Christian activist Sean Feucht at Echo Park Lake in Los Angeles.
Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times/TNSThe Vaughan concert, called “Let Us Worship: Revive in 25,” was a free, non-ticketed event. A Facebook group describes the event an opportunity to “comeÌýworship boldly, experience the glory of God, and believe for a supernatural move of the Holy Spirit right in the heart of TO.”
Earlier this week, public officials in Nova Scotia and P.E.I. cancelled a series of events that were planning to host performances by Feucht, citing complaints from residents and planned protests that raised concerns about public safety.
Parks Canada issued a statement saying it received advice from police before revoking the permit for a performance scheduled for Wednesday night at the York Redoubt National Historic Site overlooking Halifax harbour.
“Parks Canada has reassessed the conditions of the permit and potential impacts to community members, visitors, concert attendees and event organizers,” the agency’s statement said, adding there were “security challenges” with the site — a British fort built in 1793.
“After careful review, and due to heightened public safety concerns, Parks Canada has notified the organizer that the permit has been revoked.”
According to his website, Feucht plans to return to Canada later in the summer for a string of dates in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia.
With files from the Canadian Press
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