A University of Edinburgh screening of a documentary upholding the reality of biological sex has been shut down by LGBT activist protestors.
‘Adult Human Female’, made by filmmakers Deirdre O’Neill and Mike Wayne, was due to be shown at a lecture hall in George Square. But the university cancelled the screening over safety concerns after students prevented attendees from accessing the hall or an alternative venue.
The University of Edinburgh Academics for Academic Freedom, which organised the event, called the cancellation a “temporary victory for censorious bullies” and announced its intention to reschedule the film screening for early next year.
‘Self-censorship’
The university had initially resisted pressure to cancel the event on free speech grounds, before succumbing on health and safety grounds.
A spokesperson stated: “As part of our commitment to freedom of expression and academic freedom, it is our duty to make sure staff and students feel able to discuss controversial topics and that each event allows for debate.”
a “temporary victory for censorious bullies”
Claire Coutinho MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Education, warned that universities are facing a “growing creep of self-censorship”.
She said: “Free speech has been the bedrock of progress in our society for centuries. Without the freedom to speak, to express our opinions, we cannot have progress. However, that right is under threat in the very institutions where it should be the most treasured. It is vital that we take active steps to protect it now and for future generations.”
Equality law
Last week, the head of the universities watchdog for England warned that university staff must not use equality law to silence free speech on campus.
growing creep of self-censorship
Susan Lapworth, Chief Executive of the Office for Students (OfS), warned higher education institutions that policies promoting one protected characteristic “to the detriment of others” may “amount to unlawful discrimination” and could restrict free speech.
The watchdog published a briefing to highlight recent evidence on the issue and provide guidance to universities on their legal duties to uphold free speech.
The Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill is currently progressing through Parliament, which will also put a new duty on universities in England to “actively promote” freedom of speech.
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