Choir Removed from London Marathon Due to Founder’s Gender-Critical Opinions
The Singing Striders choir, which has performed on behalf of disability charity Scope at the last two London Marathons, has been informed that it will not be welcome at this Sunday's event because its founder holds gender-critical views.
The choir had been booked to perform again at the marathon, but on Tuesday, Janet Murray, the choir’s founder, received an email from Scope stating that the charity no longer wished to have the Singing Striders perform.
The email, seen by the BBC, cited "concerns raised" and emphasized that everyone involved in Scope events must reflect the charity’s "commitment to equality and inclusion." Scope told the BBC that it "didn't feel it appropriate" for Murray to represent the charity.
Janet Murray, a journalist who has written extensively on transgender issues, stated that she has never introduced her views into the choir or the London Marathon.
"I don't believe that human beings can change sex, and I believe that women's spaces and sports should be just for biological women," said Murray.
She explained that Scope had reviewed her personal social media, where she has reported on girl guiding and the Women's Institute, focusing on changes in rules regarding boys and males participating. Murray believes the charity’s decision is based on this.
Scope’s chief executive, John McLachlan, told the BBC:
"We understand and respect the right for people to hold differing views about gender and inclusion. However, 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."
The LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall has been contacted for comment.
Janet Murray says she and her choir have been stopped from singing at the London Marathon because of her gender-critical views.
Murray recounted a phone call with McLachlan, during which he informed her of two anonymous complaints made against her. He indicated that her beliefs on sex and gender were the cause and that her presence would be a distraction.
"He told me, as I suspected, it was to do with my beliefs on sex and gender, and he said that my presence would be a distraction," she said.
"I tried to ask what he meant by that. Was he worried that I was going to shout something out, or bring a banner? But that didn't seem to be the case. I try and keep my professional life separate from this choir, which is a hobby. I would never bring any views that might impact negatively on anyone else."
Murray expressed that the entire choir, which regularly performs at charity runs, is being unfairly penalized.
"All the singers were really excited about this event," she said. "I have no idea what they think about any of this, because we're not about the politics, we're about music and singing. Because of my views - and they're lawfully held views - they are missing out on this opportunity, and that's the part that is absolutely galling.
"It's meant to hurt you. Women are routinely punished for expressing these kind of views. It's meant to silence you. It's meant to make you think twice about speaking up."
London Marathon Anticipates Record Number of Finishers
This year’s London Marathon is expected to have a record number of finishers, surpassing last year’s previous best of 56,640. More than 59,000 runners will participate in Sunday’s 26.2-mile race, where the Singing Striders had been scheduled to perform at mile three.
London Marathon event director Hugh Brasher stated he was unaware of Murray’s specific case but emphasized the event’s stance on women’s rights and inclusivity.
"The London Marathon is incredibly protective of women's rights, and we do that through the elite event," Brasher said. "When it comes to the mass, we are as inclusive as we can be and therefore we try and get that mix right."
The London Marathon does not permit transwomen to compete in elite, championship, and 'good for age' female races, following World Athletics guidelines introduced in 2023. However, transwomen may compete in the mass participation event and can self-select which sex category to enter on the ballot.
