Over 8,000 people sign petition defending Franklin Graham's UK tour

Franklin Graham has said he is considering legal action over the cancellation of his UK tour events. (Photo: Facebook/Franklin Graham)

Over 8,000 people have signed a petition defending Franklin Graham's tour of the UK this summer. 

The petition was launched on CitizenGo by Voice for Justice UK, a Christian campaign group that shares Graham's traditional view of marriage and sexuality. 

It follows the cancellation of his evangelistic events by all seven of the venues that had been booked for the tour, among them the Glasgow Hydro, ACC Liverpool and ICC Wales.

The venues pulled out after coming under pressure from LGBT+ campaigners. 

Accusing protesters of waging a "campaign of vilification", the petition asks the UK Government to investigate Graham's "bullying opponents for hate crimes". 

"Ideologues intent on imposing their rebranded views on society are increasingly trying to drive Christians out of the public arena," it reads.

"In a democratic society committed to the rule of law, how can these venomous and intimidatory tactics – that drive out someone who has done no wrong, and who hasn't broken the law – ever be acceptable?

"How is it possible that those attacking Mr Graham should be allowed to be so intolerant and bigoted, categorically refusing the right of Bible-believing Christians to defend their faith?" 

It goes on to call on the Government to uphold Article 9 of the Human Rights Act 1998, protecting the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, and to manifest these beliefs in public. 

It adds that religion and belief form one of the nine protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.

"We call for Mr Graham's bullying opponents to be investigated for hate crimes, and for Her Majesty's Government to defend the right of Christians to practise and manifest their belief without intimidation or pressure," the petition concludes.

Graham has said his tour will go ahead despite the cancellations and that he is considering legal action. 

News
Victory for ex-gay Christian who was prosecuted in Malta over 'conversion therapy' comments
Victory for ex-gay Christian who was prosecuted in Malta over 'conversion therapy' comments

It marks the end of a three-year legal battle for Matthew Grech who has been found not guilty of “advertising conversion practices” in Malta.

Turkey should be placed on Special Watch List for barring foreign Christians, says US body
Turkey should be placed on Special Watch List for barring foreign Christians, says US body

Both US and EU institutions have raised concerns about the issue.

The prayer booklet connecting with sceptics
The prayer booklet connecting with sceptics

Christian Today speaks to Emma Weaver of trypraying to hear about how a simple prayer guide is engaging even more non-Christians in prayer for the first time.

Great British Bake Off champion gifts cake to Archbishop of Canterbury
Great British Bake Off champion gifts cake to Archbishop of Canterbury

The Archbishop of Canterbury has been presented with a commemorative cake by a recent winner of The Great British Bake Off.