In Billy Graham Evangelistic Association v. Scottish Event Campus Limited, (Glascow Sheriff's Ct., Oct. 24, 2022), a trial court in Scotland concluded that a large arena in Scotland whose majority owner is the city of Glascow violated the Equality Act when it cancelled an appearance by evangelist Franklin Graham because of concern that he might make homophobic and Islamophobic comments during his appearance. The court awarded Graham's organization damages equivalent to $112,000(US). The court said in part:
The event was cancelled because of (a) the religious or philosophical beliefs of the pursuer and Franklin Graham as viewed by the defender and (b) the reaction by others to the religious or philosophical beliefs professed by the pursuer and/or Franklin Graham. Those objectors had included the defender’s principal shareholder, its sponsor, objectors on social media, some press, an MSP and persons representing contrasting religious views.
(See prior related posting.) Charlotte Observer and BBC News report on the decision.
