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A planned UK tour by US evangelist Franklin Graham is in question after every venue booked by the preacher canceled planned appearances, following an outcry over his homophobic and Islamophobic comments.
Graham -- the son of preacher Billy Graham -- has called Islam "evil," attacked laws increasing rights for transgender people, and told his followers that the legalization of same-sex marriage was orchestrated by Satan.
Now, every venue booked by Graham as part of a lengthy summer tour of the UK has told him not to come.
Franklin Graham wants the nation to pray for Trump on Sunday. But other Christians call it propaganda
He has more than 10 million fans across his social media profiles, but has fueled anger for several of his past comments and stances.
Graham has expressed support for conversion therapy and called homosexuality a sin and abomination. He called Islam a "wicked and evil" religion and falsely suggested former US President Barack Obama was "born a Muslim."
In April Graham was also condemned for writing that Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg's homosexuality is "something to be repentant of, not something to be flaunted, praised or politicized."
A petition calling for Newcastle's Utilita Arena to drop Graham had been signed more than 5,000 times, and the venue told CNN they made the decision "following talks with our partners and relevant stakeholders."
"Franklin Graham's views are wholly inconsistent with our city, which is preparing to welcome huge celebrations and tens of thousands of people this summer for UK Pride," Ste Dunn, chair of the Northern Pride group, said on the petition site.
Though his tour is currently without a venue, Graham has said he intends for it to continue and will make arrangements at alternative sites.
Franklin Graham wants the nation to pray for Trump on Sunday. But other Christians call it propaganda
He has more than 10 million fans across his social media profiles, but has fueled anger for several of his past comments and stances.
Graham has expressed support for conversion therapy and called homosexuality a sin and abomination. He called Islam a "wicked and evil" religion and falsely suggested former US President Barack Obama was "born a Muslim."
In April Graham was also condemned for writing that Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg's homosexuality is "something to be repentant of, not something to be flaunted, praised or politicized."
A petition calling for Newcastle's Utilita Arena to drop Graham had been signed more than 5,000 times, and the venue told CNN they made the decision "following talks with our partners and relevant stakeholders."
"Franklin Graham's views are wholly inconsistent with our city, which is preparing to welcome huge celebrations and tens of thousands of people this summer for UK Pride," Ste Dunn, chair of the Northern Pride group, said on the petition site.
Though his tour is currently without a venue, Graham has said he intends for it to continue and will make arrangements at alternative sites.
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DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
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