University debating society cancelled, then uncancelled Catholic reporter over her LGBT views

The debating society at the University of Exeter has reversed its decision to cancel a Catholic reporter because of her views on homosexuality. 

Caroline Farrow was invited to debate sex worker Charlotte Rose via Zoom last Friday on the motion 'sex work is real work'. 

On Thursday, Ms Farrow was notified by email that she was no longer invited to participate in the event. 

The society's chair, Robert Jones, said her appearance went against the group's commitment to inclusivity. 

"A number of articles have been brought to our attention concerning your widely cited anti-LGBT activism. This is in direct contradiction to the inclusive culture we wish to promote," he wrote. 

Ms Farrow and the Free Speech Union complained to university officials that its event management policy protects freedom of speech. 

After lodging the complaint, the mother-of-five was informed by Exeter's Students' Guild that the cancellation of her invitation to speak was a "mistake".

The debate went ahead as planned but with a disclaimer posted to the society's Facebook page warning of possible offence over Ms Farrow's participation. 

Speaking to the Mail on Sunday, Ms Farrow denied being anti-LGBT.

 "It was all rather farcical, really, if there hadn't been serious issues of free speech at stake," she said.

News
Historic Lancashire church awarded £614,000 towards restoration of Elizabethan ceiling
Historic Lancashire church awarded £614,000 towards restoration of Elizabethan ceiling

The money will go towards restoring its centuries-old Elizabethan ceiling and improve facilities for worshippers and the wider community.

Settler attacks in Taybeh leading to exodus of Christians
Settler attacks in Taybeh leading to exodus of Christians

Taybeh has lost 10 per cent of its population in three years.

Questions raised about demolition of 19th century church in Manchester
Questions raised about demolition of 19th century church in Manchester

Save Britain's Heritage has questioned the process behind the decision to call in the bulldozers.

Bishop raises plight of Christians caught in Sudanese civil war
Bishop raises plight of Christians caught in Sudanese civil war

Sudan has been in a state of civil war for most of its post-independence history.