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The disability charity Scope has changed its mind at the 11th hour to allow a banned choir to attend the London Marathon. <\/b><\/p>\n
Scope’s chief executive had told Janet Murray, the founder of choir the Singing Striders, they were not welcome because Murray held gender critical beliefs. <\/p>\n
They have performed at the event on behalf of Scope for the past two years and were booked again for Sunday. <\/p>\n
On Tuesday, choir founder Murray received an email from the charity telling her it no longer wished to have the Singing Striders perform at the marathon. <\/p>\n
The email, seen by the BBC, said it was because of “concerns raised” and that everyone involved in Scope events needs to reflect its “commitment to equality and inclusion”. <\/p>\n
However, late on Saturday, Scope’s chief executive John McLachlan, said in a statement given to the BBC: “On reflection, we would like to restore our invitation to the choir to attend the marathon and perform for runners if they choose to do so. <\/p>\n
“We accept that the choir as a group does not promote a specific viewpoint and that the performance in itself doesn’t undermine our values.<\/p>\n
“This decision has been made without prejudice and reflects our appreciation of the right of individuals to hold protected beliefs under the Equality Act 2010.” <\/p>\n<\/div>\n