Protesters to voice support for preacher

AFREEDOM of speech demonstration is to be held in front of the city chambers today in protest at the cancellation of a US preacher’s event at the Hydro.

We previously told how venue bosses were left with little choice but to ditch the controversial evangelical Franklin Graham after Glasgow City Council, their majority shareholder, called for it to be axed.

Council leader Susan Aitken said it would “not be appropriate” for the event to go ahead.

She said: “How he expresses his views could, I believe, fundamentally breach the council’s statutory equalities duties.”

And in Edinburgh, the “Surge 2020” event organised by Destiny Church – in which preacher Larry Stockstill was due to speak – was also cancelled.

Much of the anger towards the preachers comes from past comments about gay rights.

Now, the Scottish Family Party – a group launched in 2017 by former Ukip member Richard Lucas – are saying the cancellation of such events is an attack on freedom of speech and religion, and are planning a protest in George Square from 11am.

In a video posted ahead of the event, Mr Lucas said: “The problem here is with SNP-led councils. It’s not the job of the church to become political – this is what we will do.

“We are making our feelings known to the public so are having a demonstration in Glasgow.

“There will be some very brief speeches, we will have some placards and will stand in a group, get some photographs taken as well as some fun activities.

“This is a Scottish Family Party