Burn 24/7 Canada claims city violated religious freedom and freedom of expression over cancelled concert
On July 23, 2025, Quebec City abruptly cancelled a Christian worship event scheduled for the next day, citing concerns over the appearance of American evangelical artist Sean Feucht. The cancellation came just hours after Parks Canada and the cities of Charlottetown and Moncton withdrew permits for related events due to public protest threats. Now, the organizers are suing, alleging religious discrimination and violation of constitutional rights.
Burn 24/7 Canada, a British Columbia-based Christian non-profit, filed a lawsuit in Quebec Superior Court on November 14, 2025, seeking damages and judicial declarations of rights violations under the Quebec and Canadian Charters. They allege that the City of Quebec acted in bad faith and censored a lawful religious assembly because of the perceived political and religious views of the invited artist.
The case raises sharp questions about the balance between public safety, municipal discretion, and constitutionally protected freedoms. The lawsuit points to a growing trend of event cancellations in response to public outcry, testing the limits of lawful expression and assembly in public spaces.
Sean Feucht, a former pastor known for leading large outdoor worship events across the United States, toured Canada in summer 2025 as part of a cross-country evangelical campaign. He drew criticism for his anti-abortion stance, opposition to LGBT activism, and support for former U.S. President Donald Trump. Days before his Quebec City performance, media coverage highlighted his involvement, triggering protests and a cascade of cancellations.
According to court filings, Burn 24/7 entered into a lease with the City on July 4, 2025, for $2,609.93 to hold the event at an ExpoCité venue. Payment was completed by July 14. On July 23, citing reputational concerns, the City terminated the agreement, invoking clauses in the lease that allow cancellation if the lessee violates conditions or causes reputational harm to the venue.
In a letter from the City, included as evidence, officials stated the presence of an “artist who generates significant controversy has consequences for ExpoCité’s reputation.” The lease gave ExpoCité discretion to terminate events that could negatively affect its interests. The City claimed that Feucht’s presence had not been disclosed in the original contract and that this omission justified the cancellation.
Burn 24/7 disputes that claim. They argue that the City acted without legal basis and in a discriminatory manner, targeting the event for its religious and political content. The group seeks:
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A refund of the full lease amount ($2,609.93)
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$5,000 in damages under the Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms
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A court declaration that Quebec City violated the plaintiff’s rights to freedom of religion, expression, peaceful assembly, and equality without discrimination based on religion or political opinion
The case asserts that the cancellation is part of a broader pattern of state interference with religious expression. Burn 24/7 alleges the City overstepped its contractual rights and used vague reputational concerns to sidestep Charter protections.
The legal outcome may hinge on how courts interpret the lease clauses relative to Charter guarantees. The City has not yet filed a response to the lawsuit. A court hearing date has not been scheduled.
Case Caption: Burn 24/7 Canada v. Ville de Québec, filed November 14, 2025
TLDR (Too Long / Didn’t Read Summary)
Burn 24/7 Canada is suing the City of Quebec after it canceled a Christian worship concert featuring Sean Feucht, an American evangelical artist. The group alleges that the cancellation violated their freedom of religion, expression, and peaceful assembly. The City cited reputational concerns and claims the artist’s identity was not disclosed in the lease. The lawsuit seeks damages and a court declaration that the City acted unlawfully. No hearing date has been set.
