The Fernie Pride Society Ben Bankas Key City Theatre issue has prompted discussion across the East Kootenay following a statement from the Fernie Pride Society regarding a scheduled March 20 performance by comedian Ben Bankas in Cranbrook. Ben Bankas is known for controversial stand-up routines that mock immigrants, LGBTQ+ people and progressive politics.
The Fernie Pride Society released a public statement authored by Executive Director Courtney Baker responding to Key City Theatre’s decision to proceed with the event.
In its own statement, Key City Theatre said the performance is a third-party rental and that the organization does not endorse the performer or the content. The theatre stated it intends to honour the signed rental agreement for the event due to legal, financial and institutional considerations.
Key City Theatre also said the situation has led to the implementation of updated policies and procedures that will allow the theatre to decline future rental events that conflict with its mission and values.
In the Fernie Pride Society statement, Baker acknowledged the theatre’s recognition that the content associated with the performer does not reflect its values and noted the commitment to implementing clearer policies going forward.
At the same time, the organization said it remains concerned about the impact the event may have on members of the community.
“These issues are not abstract,” Baker wrote in the Fernie Pride Society statement. “Immigration, diversity, reconciliation, and 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion are lived realities in our region.”
Baker wrote that providing a platform for commentary that targets those communities can have real-world consequences.
“This is not about censorship,” Baker wrote. “Freedom of expression in Canada is protected, but it is not absolute, and it does not shield institutions from accountability for the platforms they provide.”
The Fernie Pride Society statement also outlines several requests directed to Key City Theatre. These include reconsidering the decision to host the performance, publicly outlining the specific policy changes that have been implemented, engaging with equity-seeking organizations in dialogue about the impact of the event, and donating rental proceeds from the event to a Cranbrook-area organization.
Baker wrote that Fernie Pride Society remains open to meeting with theatre leadership and emphasized that the organization’s goal is to protect community members who may be affected by the issues raised in the statement.
“Our goal is not to divide this community, but to protect it,” Baker wrote, adding that cultural spaces should foster belonging, creativity and connection.
Key City Theatre has indicated that its updated rental policies will guide decisions about future events.
