Franklin Graham Wins Case For Freedom of Speech, Religion in the U.K.


Credit: Franklin Graham

Franklin Graham and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) have won the case against the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) who wrongfully discriminated against them two years ago, according to Decision Magazine. The case involved the SEC canceling their contract with the BGEA for them to host an outreach event in 2020 citing allegations that the court found were unsupported. In response to the ruling, Franklin Graham, who is the president and CEO of the BGEA, shared that he is grateful for the decision noting that it is a victory for free speech and religion in the United Kingdom.

According to Decision Magazine, the ruling by Sheriff John McCormick stated, “‘The concern is expressed that there is the potential for Mr. Graham to make homophobic and Islamophobic comments. I found no evidence to that effect.’ Instead, Judge McCormick said, ‘The defender’s true problem with the pursuer arises as a result of the religious views of Franklin Graham, which it has sought to categorize by wrenching selected comments made in the past whilst conveniently ignoring contrary comments also made by Franklin Graham.'” Judge McCormick added that the SEC’s action violated the U.K.’s 2010 Equality Act when it showed favor to those protesting BGEA’s event and silenced those who supported it. He also called out the SEC on falling for pressure from the public and political candidates. 

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In response to the ruling, Franklin Graham stated, “I am grateful to God for this decision—it is a clear victory for freedom of speech and religion in the U.K. This case was never about financial remedies—it was about the preservation of religious freedom in the U.K.—particularly the right for Christians to share the Gospel in the public square. I want to thank Sheriff John McCormick for upholding the law and affirming that Christians must be treated fairly and equally. This ruling will be a great encouragement for Christians and people of all faiths across the U.K. and many other parts of the world.”

Franklin Graham’s ‘God Loves You’ Tour took place earlier this year with stops at Liverpool, South Wales, Sheffield and London. Across all four cities, nearly 20,000 people attended the events where they shared in worship and prayer. 

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