City councillors fear US preacher could spark hate crime and protests when he comes to Sheffield

Councillors from all three political parties fear a controversial US preacher could spark hate crime and protests when he performs in Sheffield.
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Outspoken Franklin Graham will visit the FlyDSA Arena in June, 35 years after his dad Billy Graham preached to 300,000 in the city.

But Labour, the Liberal Democrats and the Greens have written a joint letter to Sheffield City Trust, which runs the Arena, warning there’s likely to be major protests.

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The Trust says if individuals or groups aren’t breaking the law, their right to speak freely should be respected.

Franklin GrahamFranklin Graham
Franklin Graham

In a joint letter, councillors Angela Argenzio, Ben Miskell and Joe Otten say they welcome free speech but venues in other cities have refused to host the concert.

“Mr Graham is a very controversial figure as he has advocated ‘conversion therapy’ for LGBT+ people and has called Islam an ‘evil and wicked’ religion. Some people perceive him as a hate preacher.

“We are concerned that giving him a platform in the Arena will embolden those intent on dividing communities and present a real threat to community cohesion in our city.

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“We believe Sheffield City Trust has a positive duty to act in accordance with the principles of tolerance and inclusivity for all communities and to choose not to take a booking from someone considered a hate speaker and entail a risk of incitement of hate crime.

“In addition any event where Franklin Graham speaks is likely to attract a large number of protestors who will rightly be outraged by his bigoted views and will require a considerable police prescence.

“We are dismayed this booking was ever taken and insist any financial penalties do not fall on the taxpayer.”

The Bishop of Sheffield Pete Wilcox last year warned Mr Graham could foster divisions. He said: “Mr Graham’s rhetoric is repeatedly and unnecessarily inflammatory and in my opinion represents a risk to the social cohesion of our city.”

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Sheffield City Trust says it has met with faith groups and taken guidance from South Yorkshire Police.

Trust chairman David Grey said: “As an organisation, Sheffield City Trust supports the right to free speech and freedom of expression whilst promoting equality and freedom from hatred and abuse. These principles form key parts of our company ethos.

“We appreciate that there is a potential conflict between these two moral stances, and that this is an ongoing issue in our society.

“This is part of a series of closed events across the country. These events are not open to the public. Other religious groups hire the Arena for similar closed events and we are happy to accommodate them as long as the law isn’t being broken.

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“We do not endorse the views of Franklin Graham, rather the matters for consideration are the aspect of Freedom of Speech, any breach of the law or potential public order implications.”

Mr Grey said he was aware of the councillors’ views and understood their concerns.

“As an organisation, we take matters such as this immensely seriously. It is the view of the Board of Trustees that freedom of speech, and the ability to disagree with someone’s beliefs, are to be encouraged. If individuals or groups aren’t breaking the law then their right to speak freely should be respected.

“We will continue to liaise with Sheffield Council and other partners and reserve the right to change our decision should the circumstances of Franklin Graham’s visit to the UK alter.”

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