City council won’t ask the Meridian Centre to give American comedian Jeff Dunham the hook after an hour-long discussion last night about his controversial upcoming performance in St. Catharines.
The city’s anti-racism advisory committee argued the ventriloquist uses puppet characters based on racist stereotypes and asked council to request ASM Global, which manages the centre for the city, to consider cancelling the show.
Councillors voted 10-2 against that motion. But they did unanimously support the creation of guiding principles for future performances at all city facilities with input from equity seeking groups or advisory committees or both.
The Jeff Dunham: Seriously, North American tour is scheduled to make a stop at the Meridian Centre on Nov. 20th. The show is almost sold out.

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