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
Peterborough Cathedral opens exhibition on Mary, Queen of Scots
Peterborough Cathedral opens exhibition on Mary, Queen of Scots

Peterborough has opened a new exhibition on Mary, Queen of Scots, that will remain in place until 15 November.

From Tyndale to today: The enduring hunger for the Bible
From Tyndale to today: The enduring hunger for the Bible

As Christians mark the 500th anniversary of William Tyndale’s English New Testament, EEM President Dirk Smith speaks to Christian Today about the reformer’s enduring legacy and the struggle to keep up with the present-day demand for Bibles around the world.

Lessons from Old Testament figures: Jonathan
Lessons from Old Testament figures: Jonathan

As we continue our series exploring the lives of Old Testament figures, we turn to Jonathan - a prince and warrior whose remarkable faith, courage and sacrificial friendship reveal what it means to put God’s purposes above our own.

New resource launched to bring evangelism and social action together
New resource launched to bring evangelism and social action together

Christian charity Jubilee+ is launching a new resource designed to help churches connect their work tackling poverty with sharing the Christian faith.