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
Calls for inquiry into Queensland assisted suicide system
Calls for inquiry into Queensland assisted suicide system

Despite the rise in deaths, the watering down of safeguards has been proposed.

Justin Welby says government reparations for slavery a ‘moral evil’
Justin Welby says government reparations for slavery a ‘moral evil’

Welby was supportive of Project Spire during his time as Archbishop of Canterbury.

South Sudanese churches work for peace as tensions mount
South Sudanese churches work for peace as tensions mount

South Sudan is the world's youngest sovereign nation.

Alister McGrath: New Atheism has ‘tanked’
Alister McGrath: New Atheism has ‘tanked’

“I am seeing a growth in young people wanting to talk about Christianity."