A Christian group called Shift the Atmosphere was asked to leave the Burning Man festival in Black Rock, Nevada, after organizers stated they repeatedly violated festival policies, including filming attendees without consent. John Hinerman, a leader with the group, claimed on social media that they were being discriminated against for their faith and that the festival's decision was contrary to its principle of "radical inclusion."
Hinerman stated in an Instagram video that his group was given three hours to pack up their camp, which had taken a week to set up. He alleged that the festival's reasons for their eviction were fabricated, contrasting the situation with what he perceived as inappropriate behavior from other attendees. "What’s crazy to me is there’s young kids – which is wicked and sad that parents would bring their kids to these – but grown men will have their penises out and women are walking around naked without consent," Hinerman said in a video caption.
A spokesperson for Burning Man, Dominique Debucquoy-Dodley, confirmed the group's eviction and clarified the reasons. "Burning Man takes participants’ right to privacy seriously," Debucquoy-Dodley said, according to SF Gate. "Seeking permission and consent before filming or engaging other participants in Black Rock City is a requirement and responsibility for anyone at the event. This camp received multiple warnings and opportunities to correct their behavior, yet continued to violate our policies and were therefore evicted."
The complaints against Shift the Atmosphere reportedly stemmed from their practice of filming people while encouraging them to "take a blessing," which violated Burning Man's policies on consent and privacy. Hinerman, however, countered these claims, asserting that the festival's accusations were false.
Despite the eviction, Hinerman shared videos showing other festival-goers assisting his group with packing up their camp. He also stated that his group was continuing their mission to spread their message, heading to Reno, Nevada. Hinerman claimed that over 600 people had accepted Jesus during their time at the festival before their removal.