A controversial preacher who sued Glasgow's top entertainment venue will soon make his return to the city.
Franklin Graham, who took legal action against OVO Hydro operator's Scottish Event Campus in 2020, will return to the 14,000-capacity venue next June for his God Loves You tour, The Scottish Sun reports.
The American, son of late evangelist Billy Graham, sued operators Scottish Event Campus after they scrapped his planned rally there three years ago.
They claimed it would promote homophobia and hate speech, but ultimately, law chief John McCormick ruled at Glasgow Sheriff Court that Graham was the victim of discrimination.
Now, campaigners have reacted with dismay to the news of the Glasgow booking after the US minister previously branded gay marriage "a sin".
Last night Church of Scotland minister Bryan Kerr, who led protests three years ago, even said he was “disappointed”.
Rev Kerr, of Greyfriars Parish Church, Lanark, told the newspaper: “We have freedom of speech and expression and therefore he can preach where he wants.
“I just don’t think that the Hydro, a public venue, is necessarily the right space.”
But Graham, 71, said: “We are excited to preach the gospel in Glasgow.
“We are grateful for the thousands of Christians that have stood alongside us.”
An SEC spokeswoman said: “The SEC welcomes many performers, artists and speakers to its venues and believes all have the right to freedom of expression.
“The SEC expresses no view on content, beliefs or values of any performer.”
Glasgow City Council added: “The council is mindful of the decision of the sheriff court.”
