The City of Moncton is asking a court to dismiss a $50,000 lawsuit over its cancellation of a Christian worship concert, arguing that potential clashes with opponents created a public safety risk.

Burn 24/7 Canada Worship Ministries Society alleges the city violated its Charter right to freedom of expression by revoking its booking at Riverfront Park for a July 2025 concert featuring American Christian conservative musician Sean Feucht.

According to the Telegraph-Journal, the city’s newly filed statement of defence points to complaints about Feucht and plans for counterprotests.

The city argues that the downtown location could expose bystanders, including children, to a “potentially unsafe environment.” It also says it did not know whether organizers had an adequate security plan.

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Moncton alleges the original booking applications, which projected approximately 2,000 attendees, did not identify Feucht as a performer. Its defence also cites alleged homophobic and transphobic social media content, threats and information it received suggesting his security team included Proud Boys members.

Those assertions have not been tested in court.

The worship group maintains it complied with city requirements and disputes that security concerns justified cancelling the event.

After losing the park booking, organizers relocated the concert to Bar None Camp in Taxis River, in central New Brunswick. Their claim says the remote venue prevented many people from attending, with approximately 200 showing up compared with more than 1,000 expected in Moncton.

The city seeks dismissal of the lawsuit and legal costs.