Franklin Graham Ties NC Bathroom Battle to Christians Not Voting

Evangelist Franklin Graham says the bathroom battle erupted in Charlotte, North Carolina, because Christians chose not to vote in the last mayoral election.

"People just stayed home, didn't vote," Graham said.

He points out that liberals were able to elect a pro-LGBT mayor who approved the Charlotte transgender bathroom ordinance which kicked off the statewide fight over bathrooms.

Graham made the comments in Nashville Tuesday, while urging Christians to vote and to run for political office as part of his ongoing 50-state "Decision America Tour."

He asked the crowd of more than 8,600 people to confess the nation's sins, including abortion and the legalization of gay marriage.

Graham said he believes the country is in trouble "spiritually, racially, economically, and politically."

So he's challenging Christians to consider running for public office because politicians today are unwilling to stand up for biblical values.

"We are Christians, we are American citizens, we are citizens of the United States of America and we have every right to be involved in the political process. And when Christian politicians get elected, they don't leave their religion at the doorstep," he said.

Graham left the Republican Party last year and now declares himself an independent.

He says he places no hope in political parties but believes that God can still save the United States.