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

Caroline Farrow (Photo: ITV)

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
European court accused of overreach after ruling against Poland in disability abortion case
European court accused of overreach after ruling against Poland in disability abortion case

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has come under criticism after ruling against Poland in a case concerning abortion on the grounds of disability. 

Christians invited to start 2026 in prayer for the nation
Christians invited to start 2026 in prayer for the nation

A nationwide prayer initiative involving thousands of churches and Christians is set to take place at the start of the New Year.

Terrorist attack on church-run clinic in eastern DRC leaves dozens dead
Terrorist attack on church-run clinic in eastern DRC leaves dozens dead

A late-night assault on a Catholic health facility in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo has left around 20 civilians dead.

Calls for prayer as court hears sacked chaplain's appeal
Calls for prayer as court hears sacked chaplain's appeal

Christians are being asked to pray as the Employment Appeal Tribunal hears the case of sacked chaplain Rev Dr Bernard Randall.