Home / Lifestyle / Charity Reverses Ban on Choir Amid Beliefs Dispute
Charity Reverses Ban on Choir Amid Beliefs Dispute
26 Apr
Summary
- Charity Scope reversed a decision to ban the Singing Striders choir.
- The choir was initially excluded due to the founder's gender-critical beliefs.
- Scope's CEO stated the choir's performance does not undermine its values.
The disability charity Scope has reversed an 11th-hour decision to ban the Singing Striders choir from attending the London Marathon. Initially, Scope's chief executive informed choir founder Janet Murray that the group was unwelcome due to her gender-critical beliefs.
The Singing Striders, who had performed for Scope at the event for two years, were scheduled to perform again on Sunday. However, an email on Tuesday stated the charity no longer wished for them to perform, citing concerns and the need to reflect its commitment to equality and inclusion.
Late on Saturday, Scope's chief executive John McLachlan issued a statement to the BBC. He announced the restoration of the invitation, acknowledging that the choir does not promote a specific viewpoint and its performance would not undermine the charity's values. The decision was made without prejudice, respecting individuals' rights to protected beliefs under the Equality Act 2010.
