Multiple reports indicate that Scope, a disability charity, initially cancelled the Singing Striders choir's performance at the London Marathon after receiving two anonymous complaints about founder Janet Murray's gender-critical views. Scope later reversed its decision and reinstated the invitation.
The initial cancellation was prompted by two anonymous complaints regarding Janet Murray's opinions. Scope initially stated they were 'concerned' with Murray's position and 'don't agree' with her views. The charity defended their original decision by saying they are committed to the equality and inclusion of trans and non-binary disabled people.
On reflection, we would like to restore our invitation to the Choir to attend the marathon tomorrow and perform for runners if they choose to do so.
Janet Murray has expressed concerns about the inclusion of biological males in women's sports and organizations like Girlguiding. According to Daily Mail - News, Murray described the initial cancellation as a "sobering reminder of how insidious" cancel culture can be when it affects something as joyful as a choir singing for marathon runners. She also said that Scope had brought politics into a space that was previously apolitical.
Scope's chief executive, John McLachlan, issued a statement saying: "On reflection, we would like to restore our invitation to the Choir to attend the marathon tomorrow and perform for runners if they choose to do so." He added: "We accept that the choir as a group does not promote a specific viewpoint and that the performance in itself doesn't undermine our values." McLachlan also stated: "This decision has been made without prejudice and reflects our appreciation of the right of individuals to hold protected beliefs under the Equality Act 2010."
We accept that the choir as a group does not promote a specific viewpoint and that the performance in itself doesn't undermine our values.
However, McLachlan acknowledged the sensitivity of the issue, saying: "Gender-critical views are highly polarising and we are sensitive to the fact that for some of our valued members, supporters and colleagues, gender-critical beliefs may be deeply upsetting and alienating." He concluded: "We are here to support anyone who has been affected and we will provide additional support through our supporter care team. We are looking forward to celebrating our runners and supporters at the London Marathon."
The exact timeline of the cancellation and reversal remains unclear, as does the identity of the anonymous complainants. It is also unknown how the choir members reacted to the initial cancellation and subsequent reversal. Scope has not indicated whether it will implement any policy changes to prevent similar incidents in the future.
This decision has been made without prejudice and reflects our appreciation of the right of individuals to hold protected beliefs under the Equality Act 2010.
Gender-critical views are highly polarising and we are sensitive to the fact that for some of our valued members, supporters and colleagues, gender-critical beliefs may be deeply upsetting and alienating.
We are here to support anyone who has been affected and we will provide additional support through our supporter care team. We are looking forward to celebrating our runners and supporters at the London Marathon.
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.
Ironically, it's Scope that's brought politics into a space that was