A charitable organization has reversed its decision after initially barring a choir from performing at the London Marathon due to the founder’s ‘gender-critical views’.
The Singing Striders, known for energizing marathon participants with their performances, had been scheduled to appear at this year’s event by the charity Scope.
The charity initially withdrew the choir’s invitation because a member expressed views on gender ideology, which challenges the notion that gender is strictly tied to biological sex and instead supports self-identification.
Janet Murray, who founded the choir, was informed that her stance was incompatible with Scope’s dedication to diversity and inclusion.
However, Scope has reconsidered its position and now wishes to reinstate the choir’s invitation.
John McLachlan, Scope’s CEO, stated, “Upon reflection, we would like to renew our invitation to the Choir to attend the marathon tomorrow and perform for runners if they choose to do so.”
‘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.
‘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.
The Singing Striders founder Janet Murray (pictured) was told her views on gender ideology was against Scope’s ‘commitment to diversity and inclusion’
‘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.’
Bosses at the charity previously said they were ‘concerned’ with Ms Murray’s position as they ‘don’t agree’ with her views.
Ms Murray, a journalist and writer, has formerly expressed her concerns regarding the inclusion of biological males in women’s sports and organisations like Girlguiding.
It is understood Scope’s initial decision to cancel the choir came because of two anonymous complaints about Ms Murray’s opinions.
Scope defended their original decision, saying they are ‘committed to the equality and inclusion of trans and non-binary disabled people’.
Speaking to The Telegraph, Ms Murray said: ‘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.’
Ms Murray added that she leaves politics ‘at home’ when she is with the choir – and emphasised that Singing Striders exists to ‘lift people up’ through difficult moments by raising money for charity.
The Singing Striders group (pictured) has often appeared on the sidelines of races, cheering on participants
She said: ‘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.’
The initial decision to cancel the choir was made despite the Singing Striders having previously taken part in marathons for Scope.
They had been due to perform at the mile-three cheer point in Woolwich from 8:30am to 1pm, with Scope covering basic travel costs.
In a previous statement, Scope chief executive John McLachlan said the charity understands and respects ‘the right of people to hold different views’ regarding inclusion and gender.
However, he added: ‘The way these views are communicated matters, especially when they alienate others.
‘As such, we didn’t feel it appropriate for her [Janet Murray] to volunteer to represent Scope.
‘We made this decision because it reflects where we stand as an organisation and our commitment to our colleagues, volunteers and supporters.’
This year’s London Marathon is set to see a record-breaking number of finishers, surpassing last year’s high of 56,640.
It is understood Scope’s decision to cancel the choir came because of two anonymous complaints about Ms Murray’s (pictured) opinions
Over 59,000 participants are getting ready for Sunday’s 26.2-mile race, where the Singing Striders had originally been due to perform at mile three
Over 59,000 participants are getting ready for Sunday’s 26.2-mile race, where the Singing Striders had originally been due to perform at mile three.
Event director Hugh Brasher told the BBC he was not familiar with Ms Murray’s individual case, but said ‘the London Marathon is incredibly protective of women’s rights, and we do that through the elite event’.
He added: ‘When it comes to the mass, we are as inclusive as we can be and therefore we try and get that mix right.’
