The Singing Striders, a choir that had been booked by Scope to cheer on participants at the London Marathon, was blocked from supporting runners due to how its founder communicated gender-critical views, according to multiple reports. The charity's decision came after two anonymous complaints about the founder's opinions, which Scope said conflicted with its commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Choir founder Janet Murray was told that her opposition to gender ideology is against Scope's commitment to diversity and inclusion, and that the charity did not agree with her views. Murray has previously expressed concerns regarding the inclusion of biological males in women's sports and organizations like Girlguiding. According to Daily Mail - News, Murray described the situation as a sobering reminder of how insidious cancel culture can be when it enters joyful spaces like a choir singing for marathon runners. She also said that Scope had brought politics into a space that was simply about supporting charity runners, effectively silencing a choir in the process.
When cancel culture finds its way into something as joyful as a choir singing for marathon runners, it's a sobering reminder of how insidious it can be.
Scope defended its decision, stating that it is committed to the equality and inclusion of trans and non-binary disabled people. The choir had been due to perform at the mile-three cheer point in Woolwich from 8:30am to 1pm, with Scope covering basic travel costs. The charity's chief executive, John McLachlan, said in a statement that Scope understands and respects the right of people to hold different views regarding inclusion and gender. However, he added that the way these views are communicated matters, especially when they alienate others, and that it was not appropriate for Murray to volunteer to represent Scope.
The incident raises questions about the boundaries of free expression and the handling of gender-critical views within charitable organizations. It remains unclear what exactly Murray communicated that Scope considered alienating, who made the anonymous complaints, and whether Scope attempted to discuss the issue with Murray before canceling. The Singing Striders' future involvement with the London Marathon, whether for another charity or independently, is also uncertain.
Ironically, it's Scope that's brought politics into a space that was simply about supporting charity runners – effectively silencing a choir in the process.
We understand and respect the right of people to hold different views. However, the way these views are communicated matters, especially when they alienate others. As such, we didn't feel it appropriate for her to volunteer to represent Scope.