EDMONTON — An Alberta cabinet minister is promising to follow the rules after an unusual late-night tour of the legislature last week for controversial American Christian singer Sean Feucht.
Family Services Minister Searle Turton said in a statement that he led Feucht and others through the domed building late Friday after the singer held a concert on the legislature grounds.
Feucht later posted a short video on social media that night of a "worship session," with him and others seen singing in the building's rotunda.
The singer has been a controversial figure for his outspoken social conservative views on LGBTQ+ rights and abortion as well as his fierce support of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Feucht had planned to embark on a cross-Canada tour this summer, though many concerts in other provinces were cancelled with venues citing public safety concerns or disapproval of the singer's views.
Only the shows in Edmonton and Saskatoon proceeded as planned, and Feucht has described the opposition he's faced as "blatant Christian persecution."
Feucht's performance in Edmonton was met by protesters, though videos of the event show those opposed to the singer were far outnumbered by concertgoers. Feucht said on social media that nearly 5,000 people were in the crowd.
Turton, in his statement, said he didn't break any rules by leading the tour, but acknowledged that such a tour happening outside of usual business hours isn't approved practice.
"Although there is no policy preventing an MLA from doing this, I recognize this is not usual procedure," he said.
"I have been in communication with the Speaker’s Office and understand the appropriate measures to take moving forward.”
The office of the Speaker, who's responsible for the operations of the legislature building, did not immediately respond to questions on Tuesday.
Opposition NDP deputy leader Rakhi Pancholi, in a statement, criticized Turton for taking Feucht through the legislature.
“This space belongs to the people of Alberta, including the racialized and 2SLGBTQ Albertans this man preaches hate against," Pancholi said.
"Turning a space that belongs to all Albertans into a minister’s personal worshipping space is wrong and the government knows it."
The NDP and others have also been critical of the government for letting Feucht perform on the legislature grounds, but cabinet ministers and Premier Danielle Smith's chief of staff have repeatedly defended providing the singer a platform.
Edmonton city councillor and mayoral candidate Andrew Knack said on social media that while freedom of expression is important to protect, "hateful and discriminatory speech should not be acceptable anywhere in Edmonton, especially on the grounds of our legislature."
"This show runs counter to the values of inclusion, justice, and respect that are core to what makes Edmonton great," Knack said.
Rob Anderson, the premier's chief of staff, said in response that Knack's comments were "gross."
"I do feel physically ill when those seeking more power like yourself want to censor the ability of folks to gather because you simply disagree with their religious beliefs," Anderson said on social media.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 26, 2025.
Jack Farrell, The Canadian Press
