Council is praised for cancelling show by controversial preacher
SHEFFIELD COUNCIL has been praised for cancelling a show by a controversial American preacher.
Franklin Graham, son of Billy Graham and known for his stance against homosexuality, was due to speak at the FlyDSA Arena in the city on June 6.
But now Sheffield City Trust, which runs the arena, said it had called off the event.
A Sheffield Council spokesman said that under the legal agreement between the council and SCT, “we interpret that to go ahead with this event would be a breach of the covenant in our legal agreement, therefore the council has written to SCT to say it reserves its right to take action, if the event proceeds”.
On this basis, Sheffield City Trust has decided to cancel this event.
Councillor Julie Dore, Leader of Sheffield Council, said:
“Franklin Graham, who has demonstrated his intent on creating divisions with his discriminatory and repulsive views, could affect the long established values that we all hold so dear in Sheffield.
“Following continued dialogue with the Chair of the Trust, I am now pleased that the council, Sheffield City Trust and trustees have reached common ground. I want to thank them for their hard work and commitment throughout this decision.”
Sheffield City Trust chairman David Grey said: “This has been an exceptionally challenging time for Sheffield City Trust as we aimed to balance freedom of speech whilst promoting equality and freedom from hatred and abuse.
“We made our decisions as independent trustees and in the best interests of the Trust.
Paul Blomfield, MP for Sheffield Central and a former chair of the City Trust, said: “I’m pleased that Sheffield City Trust have listened carefully to the widespread local concerns over Franklin Graham’s intolerant and divisive views by cancelling this event. Sheffield has a proud record of standing up against those who promote hatred and division.”