Audio By Carbonatix
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.
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.
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.
Latest Stories
-
SEC to develop Social Bond Guidelines; over half of listed firms report on ESG indicators
5 minutes -
Insurance firms have up till January 2027 to incorporate ESG in financial reporting
11 minutes -
High Court throws out Afenyo-Markin’s GH¢15m defamation suit against Sammy Gyamfi
22 minutes -
Rollover cost of T-bills reduced substantially, one-year bill yield drops 19% since December 2024
22 minutes -
Daily Insight for CEOs: Preparing for 2027 Board and Executive Conversations
44 minutes -
World Cup Visa Scandal: There is no ‘justification’ to dismiss me – Kofi Adams
55 minutes -
2028 Olympic Games qualification ‘really tough’ – Black Queens coach Björkegren
1 hour -
GRFU, GOC Women’s Commission hold breast cancer awareness, expresses gratitude to Sunda International Ghana
1 hour -
COCOBOD raises GH¢3.4bn as Cocoa Capital PLC lists inaugural commercial paper on GFIM
2 hours -
No Party Card, just a Party Microphone! A Ghanaian story of Elections, Referees and Convenient Amnesia
2 hours -
Minority welcomes suspension of teachers’ strike, demands timely payment of promotion arrears
2 hours -
Customary ownership accounts for 80% of land; it complicates land administration – Lands Commission
2 hours -
NRSA to auction vehicles of non-subscribers who fail to pay towing charges within 21 days
2 hours -
WAFU B U17: Black Starlets target AFCON slot after booking semi-final place
2 hours -
Ghana faces $6.1bn debt-service burden from 2027 to 2029 due to Akufo-Addo’s DDEP – Haruna Iddrisu
2 hours