Arena urged to join other venues cancelling bookings by preacher Franklin Graham
Another British venue was considering cancelling a booking by controversial US preacher Franklin Graham after a council leader claimed he “gave a platform for hate speech”.
The Utilita Arena in Newcastle said it was aware of concerns that have been raised about the speaker, who is the son of late evangelist Billy Graham, and who has been branded homophobic.
Venues in Glasgow, Sheffield and Liverpool have already pulled out of hosting his events this summer.
A spokesman for Utilita Arena said: “We are aware of the concerns raised regarding the Franklin Graham event scheduled at the Utilita Arena in June.
My statement urging @ArenaNewcastle to cancel their booking of someone who spouts hatred against LGBT people. He's not welcome in our city and they shouldn't give him a platform. pic.twitter.com/DEHigGs88C
— Nick Forbes (@nick_forbes) January 30, 2020
“We are currently talking with our partners and relevant stakeholders in order to come to a measured and fair conclusion.”
Newcastle city council leader Nick Forbes, speaking on Pride FM, said: “Frankly I don’t think there’s any room for him in our city.
“The arena is a private enterprise and we can’t influence their bookings.
Anytime there is tragedy, it is a reminder of the brevity of life and that none of us know when we are going to have to stand before God and give an account for our lives. Are you ready?
— Franklin Graham (@Franklin_Graham) January 26, 2020
“I would strongly say to the arena ‘That kind of act does not match the values of our city. Why are you giving him a platform for hate speech?’
“It’s not appropriate because we still have people who live in fear.”
He called for protests if the show does go ahead.
Official Statement Regarding Franklin Graham Tour. –Sign our online petition; https://t.co/AnADfuYi91 –#wearenothernpridepic.twitter.com/3Tpwm6tTG5
— Northern Pride (@northernprideuk) January 28, 2020
He said: “If we can’t get that event cancelled, lets make sure we have a demonstration outside to show that our city has a different view about people’s lives.”
Mr Graham, who is a prominent supporter of President Donald Trump, has previously said gay marriage is a sin.