By Ian Cobb

By its nature, controversy sparks debate, as evidenced in an upcoming performance by a controversial comedian at Key City Theatre.

Prior to Ben Bankas’ March 20 appearance, Key City Theatre issued a statement to the community explaining its position, which has received a response from Fernie Pride Society.

Ben Bankas, coined an “outrage” comic, is a Canadian comedian “who’s selling out venues throughout North America with his hate-filled stand-up routine,” as per CBC Arts.

Fernie Pride Society said in its response to Key City that Bankas “has a documented record of hateful rhetoric regarding immigration and diversity that frames newcomers as societal threats, disparaging remarks directed at 2SLGBTQIA+ people, particularly trans individuals, dehumanizing commentary about residential schools and Indigenous peoples, dismissive language regarding people with disabilities, and crude remarks about ongoing current events and tragedies.”

As controversy follows Bankas, including recently in Nanaimo and Kitchener, Ontario, Key City published on its website the following statement.

“No one at Key City Theatre endorses this event. We disagree with the content, and it does not reflect our values. This performance is a rental. Historically, we have not assessed or adjudicated the content of rental events.

“We operate as a space for artistic expression. At the same time, we recognize that not every event aligns with our mission and values. As a result of this situation, we have put formal policies and procedures in place that will allow us to decline future rental events that conflict with our mission and values.

“This will shape decisions going forward.

“For this specific event, we have a signed rental contract. After careful consideration of the legal, financial, and institutional implications, we have decided to honour that agreement.

“Reversing a signed agreement once it has been made would establish a standard of cancelling contracted events after the fact which would affect every artist and every community that works with us. We are not prepared to create that standard. Decisions about alignment must be made before agreements are signed, and our updated policies ensure that they will be.

“Our commitments to equity, inclusion, and community partnership remain unchanged. They are reflected in our programming, partnerships, and daily work. One rental event does not define who we are, and it does not change the direction of this organization.

“We understand this decision will not satisfy everyone.

“We remain committed to doing the work,” signed Key City Theatre Society Board and Staff.

Fernie Pride Society March 3 issued a response to Key City.

“In its statement, Key City Theatre notes that it does not endorse the event, disagrees with the content, and has since implemented updated formal policies and procedures that will allow it to decline future rental events that conflict with its mission and values. The Theatre further states that it intends to honour the signed rental contract for this specific event due to legal, financial, and institutional considerations.

“We appreciate the Theatre’s public recognition that the content associated with this performer does not reflect its values. We also acknowledge the commitment to implementing clearer policies going forward.

“At the same time, we remain deeply concerned about the immediate and real impact this event has on members of our community.”

“These issues are not abstract,” said Courtney Baker (she/her), Executive Director of Fernie Pride Society.

“Immigration, diversity, reconciliation, and 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion are lived realities in our region. Rural queer youth face disproportionately high rates of bullying, isolation, and mental health challenges. The legacy of residential schools continues to shape Indigenous families and communities. Xenophobia is alive and well in the East Kootenay. Gender based violence remains prevalent. Providing a platform that targets these groups has real-world consequences.”

Key City Theatre’s statement suggests that cancelling the event would set a precedent of reversing signed agreements, Fernie Pride Society’s response continued.

“We recognize that contractual obligations are complex. However, policies exist precisely to guide difficult decisions when values and harm are at stake. The responsibility of stewarding a public cultural space includes weighing not only financial and legal implications, but community safety and trust. And we are left to question, does Key City Theatre value financial implications for visiting Third Party Rentals more than reputational ones for regional patrons and performers? If public trust is eroded, where does the theatre go from there?

“We are encouraged that updated rental policies are now in place. That is a direct outcome of community advocacy. But policies created after harm has already been identified do not mitigate the harm of the current event.

“Let’s be clear: this is not about censorship. 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. Venues make programming decisions every day. Declining, at any time in the rental process, to host performers that reinforce and platform bigotry is not the erosion of artistic freedom; it is an exercise of institutional values.”

“Fernie Pride Society continues to call on Key City Theatre to:

• Reconsider its decision and cancel the March 20 performance.
• Publicly outline the specific policy changes now in place.
• Engage directly with 2SLGBTQIA+, Indigenous, immigrant, women’s, and disability organizations in meaningful dialogue about the impact of this event.
• Donate rental proceeds from this event to a Cranbrook and area, equity seeking organization.

“Fernie Pride Society remains open to meeting with Theatre leadership. Our goal is not to divide this community, but to protect it, especially those who already carry disproportionate harm. Cultural spaces should foster belonging, creativity, and connection. That standard matters most when it is tested,” Fernie Pride’s statement concludes.

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