British charity Scope has reinstated the Singing Striders choir at the London Marathon after initially dropping the group over the gender-critical views of its founder, Janet Murray.
On Sunday, April 26th the choir had been due to perform along the marathon route to encourage runners, as it had done in previous years. However, Scope—initially concerned with cerebral palsy but now committed to the ‘social model’ encompassing all disabilities—withdrew the invitation after receiving two anonymous complaints about Murray’s publicly expressed views on gender identity.
Writer and journalist Murray said her personal views had never been part of the choir’s performances, which focus on encouraging runners during the race. The group had been scheduled to perform at a “cheer point” in Woolwich, South East London starting early in the morning and continuing for several hours.
The decision sparked criticism, with supporters arguing that the choir was being excluded over the opinions of a single individual, despite volunteering to perform free of charge. Marathon choirs are often placed along the route to encourage participants, providing live music and support during the race.
Following the backlash, Scope’s chief executive, John McLachlan, said the charity had reconsidered and would allow the choir to take part. He acknowledged that the group itself does not promote a specific political stance and said the decision reflected respect for individuals’ rights to hold lawful beliefs. According to Ms Murray, quoted the night before the event,
While this is a win, the distress and uncertainty caused by this situation has taken its toll…. At present, only one fellow choir member has said they feel comfortable performing tomorrow. Understandably so.
The “lawful belief” that McLachlan refers to is the notion that human beings can’t change their sex, upheld in a UK Supreme Court ruling a year ago.
