Montreal Church Challenges Municipal Fine Over Political Event
A Montreal church has launched legal proceedings against the City of Montreal after receiving a substantial fine for hosting what authorities described as a political gathering featuring a 'MAGA superstar.' The $2,500 penalty was issued to the church for violating municipal regulations regarding event hosting and venue use.
Pastor Defends Gathering as Religious Activity
Pastor Bernaby Quevedo, leader of the Montreal church at the center of the controversy, strongly disputes the city's characterization of the event. The pastor was photographed at his church on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, just days before the legal challenge was formally announced.
In his defense, Pastor Quevedo maintains that the gathering constituted legitimate religious activity protected under freedom of religion provisions. Church representatives argue that the event's content fell within the scope of normal religious services and that the municipal fine represents an overreach of regulatory authority.
Broader Implications for Event Regulations
The case raises significant questions about the boundaries between religious activities and political gatherings in public venues. Municipal officials contend that the event crossed into political territory by featuring a prominent MAGA figure, thereby requiring different permitting and potentially violating venue use agreements.
The legal challenge comes at a time when cities across Canada are grappling with how to regulate events that blend political messaging with religious gatherings. The outcome of this case could set important precedents for how municipalities handle similar situations in the future.
Both the church and city officials are preparing for what could be a lengthy legal battle. The church has retained legal counsel specializing in religious freedom cases, while the City of Montreal maintains that it was simply enforcing established municipal codes designed to regulate public events and maintain community standards.
