Censored up north

Canadian officials appear intent on silencing Sean Feucht one concert at a time. Feucht, a charismatic Christian worship leader from the U.S., is traveling through Canada this summer as part of his “Revive in 25” tour. But more than a half-dozen cities have canceled his event permits, citing safety concerns. In one instance, officials in Montreal issued a $2,500 fine to a church that hosted Feucht on July 25.

Feucht called the cancellations an attack on Christian faith. The self-­described speaker, missionary, and activist has founded multiple global worship and prayer movements. A vocal supporter of President Donald Trump, he has spoken out against abortion, transgender ideology, and homosexuality. (He also recently was accused of financial misconduct and “spiritual coercion” by former ministry partners. Feucht has dismissed the claims as a spiritual attack.)

In Montreal, officials opposed Feucht’s concert due to his political and social opinions. According to Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante’s office, Feucht’s show did not align with the city’s values of “inclusion, solidarity, and respect.” The Montreal stop was originally scheduled to take place at a public outdoor venue, but the Spanish-speaking congregation Ministerios Restauración Church instead hosted the event after the city canceled the outdoor permit.

While private venues are allowed to decide who is and is not allowed to use their space, Montreal officials claim the church did not have a permit to use its venue for a show.

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects the freedom of opinion and expression. But governments in Canada can deny or cancel event permits if they believe the event could include hate speech or disrupt public order.

At least eight Canadian cities have canceled Feucht’s tour stops, including Halifax, Charlottetown, Quebec City, and Winnipeg. Meanwhile, the city of Saskatoon said it would allow Feucht to perform in a local park.

Kim Davis Pablo Alcala / Lexington Herald-Leader / ZUMA Wire / Alamy

Obergefell on appeal

Former Kentucky county clerk Kim Davis on July 24 asked the U.S. Supreme Court to revisit the 2015 case that legalized same-sex marriage. Davis’ lawyers are asking the Supreme Court to overturn a judgment against Davis, but at the same time, they’re also asking the court’s conservative majority to overturn the landmark Obergefell v. Hodges ruling itself. In a concurring opinion in the 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas had suggested the court do just that.

Just after the Obergefell ruling, Davis refused to sign marriage licenses for homosexual couples at the Rowan County clerk’s office because of her Christian faith. A federal judge found Davis violated two couples’ constitutional rights and ordered her to pay one couple $100,000. She was not allowed to use a First Amendment defense in court, which her lawyers believe she is entitled to.

Meanwhile, public support for same-sex marriage has dropped from 71% in 2022 to 68% this year, according to Gallup. —L.C.