A Christian charity in the UK has staged a protest outside Barclays Bank’s headquarters, claiming that the financial institution shuttered their account due to pressure from LGBTQ+ activists.
The Core Issues Trust, in collaboration with The International Federation for Therapeutic and Counseling Choice (IFTCC), a ministry offering counsel to individuals grappling with their sexuality or gender identity, orchestrated this demonstration in the bustling Canary Wharf.
Last year, Barclays Bank closed the IFTCC’s account, offering no explanation for their actions, yet conveniently occurring while the bank was prominently sponsoring London’s LGBT pride event.
The account closure coincided with a distressing period for the charity’s founder, Dr. Mike Davidson. He was subjected to a barrage of intimidating calls and messages, including a particularly horrific text wishing harm upon him and his staff.
As reported by The Christian Post, Barclays ultimately agreed to compensate The Core Issues Trust with a sum of $25,221 (£20,000), plus additional legal costs. Chief executive of the Christian Legal Centre Andrea Williams, who has brought the case against the bank, remarked:
“This was a cruel and orchestrated campaign by LGBT activists targeting a Christian ministry and Barclays fell for it. Rather than standing up for free speech, Christian freedom, and minority rights, Barclays Bank Plc surrendered to the intimidatory tactics of LGBT activists. We will continue to defend and stand with Mike Davidson and CIT and any Christian ministry who falls foul of the weaponizing of the ‘conversion therapy’ ban.”
