The Scottish Event Campus (SEC) has been ordered to pay almost £100,000 in damages to a US preacher after cancelling his event.
A judge at a civil hearing in Glasgow Sheriff Court ruled that the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) was discriminated against after Franklin Graham's Hydro planned appearance was scrapped following pressure from the city council and religious groups.
The son of the late evangelist Billy Graham - and president of the BGEA - has been criticised over remarks about homosexuality, Islam and Donald Trump.
He was scheduled to appear at the arena in May 2020, but the venue cited "recent adverse publicity" and security concerns when it cancelled the event in January 2020.
The judge stated that the SEC breached the Equality Act by not letting Graham perform.
BGEA lost £97,325 as a result of the cancellation, which the SEC was ordered to pay.
Although protest concerns were discussed by the SEC's board, the judge found they were not the main reason for the cancellation. Such concerns also were not mentioned at a meeting with Glasgow City Council, which was said to have applied pressure to "cancel the booking as it may offend others".
McCormick explained: "The pursuer's right to engage a speaker at the evangelical event - in furtherance of a religious or philosophical belief - is protected by law".
An SEC spokesperson responded: "We are naturally disappointed in the outcome of the case.
"We are currently reviewing the extensive documentation to determine whether any further action is required."
Graham stated: "This case was never about financial remedies - it was about the preservation of religious freedom in the UK."
Don't miss the latest headlines with our twice-daily newsletter - sign up here for free.
