‘Calling us fascists’: Regina German club target of online vitriol over venue booking

The German Club of Regina Faces Backlash Over Upcoming Event

The German Club of Regina, a cultural and community venue, has found itself at the center of a heated controversy due to an upcoming event it is hosting. On March 1, the Buffalo Party of Saskatchewan, a political group, is planning to hold a fundraiser at the club. The event will feature a panel discussion on the idea of Saskatchewan potentially becoming the 51st state of the United States. While the club maintains that it is simply providing a venue and not endorsing the event or its content, it has been met with a wave of online vitriol and threats.

Kerri Van Loosen, the club’s manager, has reported that the club has been targeted with harsh criticism, including accusations of supporting fascism and neo-Nazism. Many online commentators have labeled the club as aligning with a “Nazi regime,” and some have even threatened protests and violence. Van Loosen expressed deep concern over the safety of her staff, herself, her family, and the club’s property, especially since the club has been a victim of hate crimes in the past.

The Club’s Neutral Stance and the Backlash

The German Club of Regina has been clear in stating that its role is solely to provide a venue for events and does not endorse the beliefs or activities of the organizations that rent its space. Van Loosen emphasized that the club does not inquire into the political views or intentions of the groups that book their facilities, as this is not their responsibility. “We do not ask what their organization’s beliefs are, political views are, or what their business that day is about… because that is not our business,” she explained in a social media post.

Despite this neutral stance, the club has been subjected to intense backlash, with many people assuming that hosting the event implies support for the Buffalo Party’s ideas. The online attacks have included racial slurs and threats of retaliation, which Van Loosen described as “hate crimes.” The club has since filed a police report and is working with local law enforcement to ensure the safety of everyone involved during the event.

The Buffalo Party’s Response to the Controversy

The Buffalo Party of Saskatchewan, the group organizing the event, has condemned the backlash directed toward the German Club of Regina. Tim Kasprick, a 2024 candidate for the Buffalo Party in Yorkton, called the attacks “uncivil” and dismissed the online abuse as the work of “trolls.” Kasprick argued that the racial slurs and threats hurled at the club were indicative of the character of those making the attacks, rather than any fault of the club itself.

The Buffalo Party has maintained that the event is intended to spark a discussion about Saskatchewan’s potential future within Canada and has denied any connection to extremist ideologies. However, the controversy surrounding the event has overshadowed its intended purpose, with much of the public discourse focusing on the backlash against the venue rather than the topic of the panel discussion.

Safety Concerns and Police Involvement

The German Club of Regina has taken proactive steps to address the safety concerns arising from the threats it has received. Van Loosen has been in contact with the Regina Police Service, who are aware of the potential for protests and are assessing whether a police presence will be necessary during the event. The club’s management is prioritizing the safety of its staff, patrons, and property, given its history of being a target of hate crimes.

Van Loosen has expressed frustration over the situation, stating that the club is simply a neutral venue and should not be attacked for hosting an event. She emphasized that while people are free to express their political opinions and organize protests, they should not target a cultural institution or malign an entire community. “You can have your political protests, you can do what you want, but don’t attack a venue, don’t attack a culture, and tie these terrible stigmas to us,” she said.

Community Support and the Broader Implications

Despite the backlash, the German Club of Regina has also received an outpouring of support from the community. Many individuals and organizations have reached out to express their solidarity with the club, acknowledging its important role as a cultural and social space. The club’s management has made it clear that it will not allow the negative comments to dictate its operations or its commitment to serving the community.

The controversy highlights broader issues of free speech, tolerance, and the importance of neutral spaces in society. While the event itself has sparked intense debate, the attacks on the German Club of Regina have raised questions about the fairness of holding a venue accountable for the actions of its renters. The situation serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by organizations that strive to remain neutral in polarized times, as well as the importance of standing against hate and misinformation.