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
What would the late Sir Ken Morrison have made of the 'Progress Pride' sign in his store?
What would the late Sir Ken Morrison have made of the 'Progress Pride' sign in his store?

I shudder to think what he would have made of Morrisons’ capitulation to a political ideology.

RE council recommends new framework to end historic neglect of the subject
RE council recommends new framework to end historic neglect of the subject

Many schools are flouting the requirement to teach RE to year 11s.

Women for Scotland criticise CoE diocese's 'LGBTQIA+ Chaplaincy'
Women for Scotland criticise CoE diocese's 'LGBTQIA+ Chaplaincy'

Oxford Diocese said it simply wished to provide pastoral care, not take sides in a debate

Justin Welby says resignation was 'loneliest' moment
Justin Welby says resignation was 'loneliest' moment

Former Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has said his resignation last year was the correct decision, despite it being “one of the loneliest moments I’ve ever had”.