Venues drop evangelist Franklin Graham’s appearances in UK tour

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A number of venues across the United Kingdom have canceled plans for Franklin Graham to speak following backlash against homophobic and Islamophobic comments made by the evangelical pastor.

CNN reported Thursday that venues across the country have canceled plans to host Graham’s seven-city tour across Scotland and England, and the Billy Graham Evangelical Association’s U.K. website indicated that all venues for the tour were still to be determined.

“We are still finalizing where the Graham Tour will be held, but we want to be clear that the initiative and all associated training courses will take place on the same dates as originally planned. We are continuing to consider sites for the main event and when we have determined where the meetings will take place, we will post updates,” read a statement on the website.

Graham has spoken out against Islam, which he has called an “evil” religion, as well as homosexuality and has called for former South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg (D), the first high-profile openly gay presidential candidate, to be “repentant” about his sexuality.

He has also previously claimed that former President Obama was “born a Muslim,” a reference to the “birther” conspiracy theory that followed Obama throughout his two terms in office.

Graham is also a supporter of President Trump, and called on his supporters to pray for the president last year amid the impeachment probe.

“This is just another attempt to tarnish and embarrass @POTUS @realDonaldTrump before the next election,” he wrote in November on Twitter. “Pray for President Trump today, for God to give him wisdom, protection, & that God would guide each & every step he takes.”

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