Free speech or hate speech? FVC readers express their opinions about Sean Feucht

American preacher and musician Sean Feucht was originally scheduled to perform at Mill Lake Park in Abbotsford on August 24. Feucht is a controversial figure who has expressed right-wing views on certain issues, such as LGBTQ+ rights and immigration. The City of Abbotsford denied him a permit to perform at Mill Lake Park, the latest in a series of cancellations and permit-denials during Feucht’s Canada tour.

In Friday’s newsletter, the FVC ran a poll to ask for readers’ opinions on the matter and 800 readers responded, and many added comments to their responses. Here are some of the highlights. 

Most respondents chose “no” to whether the City of Abbotsford should have allowed Sean Feucht to perform in a public park in Abbotsford, Mill Lake Park. At the time of writing, more than 72% of respondents said no. 

Hundreds of readers added comments to their responses, and this is an overview of the main issues people addressed. 

Feucht’s views about LGBTQ+ rights were the top reason why people do not want him to perform in a public Abbotsford park. Many commenters addressed the idea of freedom of expression or speech, saying that Feucht’s views tend to fall into the hate speech category. 

Many respondents said Feucht’s affiliation with US President Donald Trump’s Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement is a key reason why he should not be allowed to perform in public parks in Canada. Some alluded to tensions between the US and Canada, the ongoing trade war, and Trump’s anti-democratic decisions and actions in recent months. 

Many “no” respondents said that while they believe Feucht and his fans have the right to free speech, that does not translate into a right to perform at a public park funded by taxpayer money. Freedom of expression does not equal the right to a public platform. Some readers added that they think it is perfectly fine if Feucht’s performance took place at a private venue.

Almost 28% of respondents chose “yes” to whether Feucht should have been allowed to perform in a public park in Abbotsford. Most of the responses referenced “freedom of speech,” although their reasons were varied. Some said they disagreed with Feucht’s beliefs and views, but still thought he should be allowed to perform. 

Some respondents engaged in “whataboutism,” saying that if X group of people (LGBTQ+ people, Sikhs, Muslims, Palestinians, atheists, to name a few that the commenters mentioned) are allowed to have public parades and events, then Feucht should be allowed to perform in a public park in Abbotsford. 

A few respondents used the example of an upcoming Canadian tour by a Salafi Muslim preacher, Abu Taymiyyah. However, based on the official information about the Abu Taymiyyah tour, all the events are scheduled at private venues; none will take place in public parks or other public spaces. 

Below is a selection of reader comments that have only been lightly edited for clarity or spelling where needed.

Those who said no:

• “Freedom of expression doesn't mean you have the right to be given a platform. Particularly when shouting hateful, incendiary rhetoric that endangers vulnerable community members. Or when you're glorifying a foreign leader who threatens to annex the country in which you want to perform. Getting a park permit requires responsibility and the city was right in deeming him a threat to public safety.”

• “Freedom of speech says yes but anything to do with Trump is a hard NO. ”

• “If he had stuck to ’worship and praise,’ I wouldn't have a problem with it, though that's not my area of interest. He has chosen to make his political views front and centre, though, and that is what makes him a risky prospect for a public concert. The safety of Abbotsford's citizens must come first. ”

• “Normally I would have no issue with a group of people gathering together for the purpose of engaging in a celebration of their faith. However, given that this particular individual speaks without empathy, kindness, and respect for certain groups of people, I do not believe our city should encourage or allow that kind of divisiveness to be on public display.”

• “’You should not use your beliefs to poke someone in the eye.’ This is what someone, a church leader, told me this morning when we chatted about it. His statement was in context to the divisiveness created by this situation, and he also does not want this concert here in a public space.”

• “He could have a concert/ preach-fest in a private venue (church, rented hall, house, whatever) however, he does not belong in a public park where people could unwittingly stumble into a dangerous scene with protesters and counter protesters.”

• “Allowing him to perform is tantamount to condoning his hateful opinions. A true Christian is tolerant and accepting of people. He is simply a bigot wrapping himself in alleged Christian values.”

• “We don't need his type of propaganda and proselytizing.”

• “A public park is open to everyone and is funded by everyone's tax dollars. Abbotsford also has a civic strategy supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion https://www.abbotsford.ca/sites/default/files/2021-02/2020%20Diversity%20and%20Inclusion%20Strategy.pdf. This is not a question of the City restricting Feucht's freedom of speech. Feucht can say anything he wants to say in a private facility, and there are lots of conservative churches in the Valley that would probably be very glad to have him perform. But publicly funded facilities, in a city that claims to support diversity, should not be used for events that promote homophobia and discrimination.”

• “There is enough hate in the world without inviting it to our most beautiful park.”

• “Sean Feucht was quoted in the Abby News (front page, July 31, 2025) as saying. ’If I had shown up with purple hair and a dress, claiming to be a woman, the government wouldn't have said a word.’ I disagree. He could show up wearing any colour of the rainbow hair, wearing a dress, tutu or tuxedo, claiming to be a woman, man, or a pony spouting his ideology and the government would still be concerned. It is his non-inclusive attitude, his negative attitude toward the LGBTQ+ community that is the concern, not what he looks like. Preaching in public to be exclusive of others is not safe for others.”

• “Let him spew his trash in his own country.”

• “Should be held in a private venue. Unfair to local taxpayers to incur extra security and policing costs due to controversial performer. Conservative MPs response about Christian persecution needs critical unpacking as most Christians I hear from are opposed to platforming the bigotry and let's face it white nationalism.”

• “He can voice discontent for our laws and policies without trying to foment uprisings against our people and governments, but he's not interested in actual discourse. He's an active participant in the quest to dismantle our country and that makes him an enemy. He says he's a spokesperson for Christians but there is no such appointment. He's just a single guy looking to start trouble and that should never be encouraged; those who seek positive change seek to cause change through legal channels and by citizen activism. That's not this guy, and we should never give a platform to those who are only interested in starting fights for their own amusement. The true cost of his event would be on us, the taxpayers, as we pay for policing, clean-up, and the various other expensive consequences of this blockhead's desire to create chaos that lingers long after he's skedaddled.”

• “To allow a MAGA supporter who is endorsed by Donald Trump to perform in a city park that is funded by our tax dollars would have been contrary to the ends our entire country is fighting for. That, along with his discriminatory message which seeks to marginalize those who do not ascribe to his personal beliefs are factors which appear to have resulted in the permit being withheld. The additional factors of protests and counter-protests which would require police and extra security costs, along with the possibility of violence when children, and the elderly are present was the icing on the cake. A city park is designed for the enjoyment of all who live here and to cater to a minority at the expense of the majority seems counter to the values the Canadians seek to uphold. I wrote city hall and addressed these very issues. I am grateful that others did the same. Not issuing the permit was the right thing to do. Thank you.”

• “I don't think any religious events should be held in public parks. If one of our local churches or religious groups want to hold a event, they should be doing it on their property, not public spaces. ”

• “We don't need to give a platform to hate speech. Just as I hope they would not allow a KKK rally to be held in a public space. Aside from the increased cost to the city in police, etc. We should not have to pay for a MAGA preacher on our soil, poisoning the minds of our people. ”

• “I am just hearing about this person now. I am shocked that anyone would entertain the thought of having him on stage anywhere in Canada. He doesn't sound right to me. Thank you for letting me express my thoughts.”

• “There should not be any performers from United States. There are so many talented Canadians that could benefit financially from these performances. On top of that this person is spreading hate. He definitely should not be performing and being paid by our tax dollars. ”

• “This man is certainly allowed to have his opinions but he should not be allowed a platform to spout off about them. ”

• “We have been encouraged to ‘buy Canadian’, and should include entertainment under that umbrella as well. I also reject the notion that Feucht can ‘save Canada.’ We are perfectly capable of saving ourselves.”

• “We don't need to hear Trump's version of the Gospel.”

• “I'm somewhat torn. Yes, he should be allowed to perform. Canada is a democracy and freedom of speech is so important in that regard. However, I vote NO he should not be allowed to perform simply because of his affiliation with the Trump administration which is attacking basic foundations of democracy. I feel it is our duty to protect our democratic rights and therefore boycott associations to the Trump administration’s actions such as the tariffs and organizations that support the Trump actions.”

• “I’ll just start by saying as a Christian I take great offence by how Sean Feucht contorts my religion to serve his own needs. There’s nothing Christian about him, nor Christian Nationalism. Though me not liking the guy is not a good enough reason to have his permit denied. The main reasons why I felt he should have his permit denied were his strong support for policies that threaten Canadian sovereignty and the threat he and his events pose to public safety. He often times uses exclusionist rhetoric that demonizes marginalized groups, particularly 2SLGBTQIA+ community members. His events are hardly about worship, but rather about drumming division. He feels he can come here, say whatever divisive things he wants and leave and not reckon with any of the consequences his words would’ve had with our community. There are countless times I’ve seen people worship in public here. This city is very friendly to public worship. Naturally he’s saying his permits are being denied because he’s Christian. But in reality they’re being denied because he’s Sean Feucht.”

• “While I fully support the right to freedom of speech and religion, I believe granting public space for Mr. Feucht’s event stands in stark contradiction to the City of Abbotsford’s own stated diversity and inclusion policy.

  Mr. Feucht is a public figure known not only for his music and ministry, but for his outspoken support of a form of Christian nationalism that actively marginalizes members of the LGBTQ2S+ community, disregards the rights of women seeking reproductive health care, and promotes divisive rhetoric that undermines the principles of equality and inclusion. His statements and campaigns—often framed as religious revival—are tightly aligned with exclusionary political ideologies, particularly those associated with the far-right MAGA movement in the United States.

  The City’s Diversity Policy clearly states that:

  •It does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of differences,

  •It is committed to “promoting diversity… respecting each other’s right to be different… [and] creating a community that is free from discrimination,

  •It aims to eliminate barriers and recognize the importance of consulting with diverse communities.

  Permitting a public event that will likely include or promote views that target vulnerable populations—including LGBTQ2S+ residents, non-Christian faith groups, and others—is fundamentally inconsistent with these values. Doing so risks making members of our own community feel unwelcome, unsafe, and unheard in the very public spaces meant to belong to all of us. Granting Mr. Feucht a platform on City-owned land would not constitute neutrality—it would amount to tacit endorsement or at least accommodation of views that run counter to the commitments Abbotsford has made to equity, safety, and respect for all. That is not a stance I believe the City should take. Public parks should be places where everyone feels safe and seen—not stages for discrimination cloaked in religious or political rhetoric.”

• “Allowing him to use public spaces to broadcast his views that go against foundational Canadian rights and values is no good either. He has a right to his views, but he does not have a right to a public platform to share them. But banning him altogether is probably not a good move. Keep it indoors where only the people who want to hear it, can hear it. Further, who is financing this guy in Canada and why?”

• “I was very confused and upset that his possible visit to Abbotsford made the Abby News’ front page. I hadn’t heard of this performer before, but quickly learned enough reading the article and I am disgusted that our city is even considering hosting him. Our country is in direct conflict with our neighbours to the South because of their leader and knowing this performer is an active supporter of said leader makes me ill. Just because he is “Christian” it doesn’t mean we ignore what he stands for and anyone loudly supporting that president should not be welcome to perform in our community. The fact that just under 50% of respondents in this poll are in support of his visit disappoints me too, but sadly doesn’t surprise me either.” [This reader referenced the live poll results at the time they voted, these were not the final poll results.]

Those who said yes…

• “Even though I am literally a Bible thumping Christian, I disagree with Sean Feucht vehemently. He doesn't demonstrate the character of Jesus, nor does he seem to value His actual teachings. However, I do not like preventing a person from the public forum unless they are actually hurtful. That kind of censorship only puts fuel on the fire of their delusion that they are somehow persecuted for their beliefs. In reality, they are only being treated as their jerkiness demands. Let them perform in public, and then attend or don't, according to your opinions. It's people like him who give Christ and His church a bad name, and I have no doubt they are the ’wolves in sheep's clothing’ that Jesus warned us about.”

• “He should have the freedom of speech and religion that our country prides itself upon.”

• “If a peaceful Christian service is not permitted to have an outdoor service, then ALL outdoor services by any and all religious organizations must be banned. What does this say about freedom in Canada? Canada has a constitution and a charter of rights.”

• “I’m a total lefty and don’t support anything this guy stands for but censorship can have a really silly effect like making people aware of someone who had absolutely no profile beforehand. Also, where does it end? It’s best for the public (governments of any sort) not to be limiting what people are allowed to say and do in public and let people decide whether they want to attend or protest, etc.”

• “Yes, if we have free speech and freedom of religion. ”

• “It is not hate speech. It's another opinion. What happened to being open-minded and trying to learn about differing opinions? Seems that if you don't go along with the ideology of the day, it's deemed as hate speech. So sad. I saw Sean last year in Fort Langley and the worship gathering was so peaceful and joyful and uplifting.”

• “Are we not living in a free country? Are people not able to freely share their opinion? Sean Feucht may be controversial but is not instigating anything illegal. If people want to protest that is their right too. Shutting him down is communistic thinking. Abortion centres are controversial but not shut down due to protest. If people commit crimes in protest they should be punished.”

• “Free speech for everyone, well spelled out in our Charter. Where does it say a speaker must follow a certain ideology in order to be allowed a public forum. We're treading on dangerous territory here. I cannot believe that nearly 3/4 of poll respondents (as this is written) have jumped on the woke wagon.”

• “It's called free speech. If his patter is offensive, then protest/picket all you want, but do not ’ban.’ That seems to me like burning books!”

• “This is a concert, not a riot. Nothing lewd. Family friendly. If you don’t want to participate, then don’t. This is censorship. Other events such as pride events are allowed to be held in public spaces even though not everyone in our society has the same worldview. Why is this event being treated differently? Personal freedoms are being eroded.”

• “If we lose our freedom of religious expression Canada becomes a third world nation. This isn’t about the singer, it’s about the Canadian people who wish to express their religious freedom.”

• “Everyone screams for inclusion and diversity. But as soon as it comes to Christianity or another God loving religion suddenly inclusion and diversity is one sided.”

• “Yes, he is a controversial figure however I believe the mainstream media has vilified him and made more of his previous statements than necessary. It’s alarming to me that just because someone has a different viewpoint than what someone else has, it needs to be silenced. This is a slippery slope decision that the city has made. ”

• “As much as I would like to see the guy dropped off a cliff, he is entitled to free speech. I just hope nobody showed up.”

• “We cannot restrict other people stating their opinions simply because we don’t agree with them.”

• “I'm really torn here. I don't believe in Hate, racism or some other of his beliefs we do live in a Democratic country. I would never go to his show.”

• “I am ashamed of our politicians not seeing the whole story & not being aware of other controversial speakers touring our country, but rather making sensational decisions to pander to the mainstream media. While legacy media and progressive politicians have loudly condemned Christian musician Sean Feucht for his Biblical beliefs on gender and sexuality as he tours Canada, establishment figures have been completely silent about the Canadian tour of a Salafi preacher who touts an extreme anti-Western ideology to his followers. Imam Ustadh Abu Tamiyyah will begin a national tour on July 31 with support from Islamic Relief Canada, whose parent organization has been accused of alleged links to terrorism. Abu Tamiyyah preaches a fundamentalist Salafi interpretation of Islam that promotes Sharia, demonizes Western ideals and Christianity. The radical imam’s End of Times tour will hit major cities including Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Vancouver and elsewhere."

• “All I see is we are now picking and choosing who gets to exercise our freedoms and charter rights according to that person’s beliefs.”

• “It's not only about Sean Feucht, but also about the people gathering to worship at this event. It is clearly a limitation to the Charter of Rights and Freedoms no matter what spin authorities (and haters) try to put on it.”