Choir members pursue legal action after being banned from the London Marathon
Choir members are pursuing legal action after being banned from performing at the 2026 London Marathon due to their founders’ gender-critical views, reports BritPanorama.
The Singing Striders had previously been invited by Scope, a noted disability charity, to entertain runners along the race route. However, the charity withdrew the invitation just days before the marathon following anonymous complaints about founder Janet Murray’s gender-critical comments.
Murray, along with three fellow choir members, is seeking damages and a formal apology. They allege that Scope’s decision represents unlawful discrimination against their legally protected beliefs.
Murray, a writer and journalist, has expressed concerns regarding the participation of biological males in women’s sports and their admission to organisations like Girlguiding. Following two anonymous complaints regarding her views, Scope informed her that she would not be allowed to perform in the charity’s designated cheer zone.
The charity stated that it was “concerned about your views because we don’t agree with your views,” asserting that her comments were inconsistent with its “commitment to diversity and inclusion.” In response, Murray claimed that the decision unlawfully discriminated against her due to her gender-critical beliefs.
Legal representatives for Murray and the choir argue that Scope’s actions signify discrimination against the belief in the immutability of biological sex, a viewpoint that has received legal protection since 2021 in light of a landmark ruling involving Maya Forstater, who successfully appealed an employment tribunal decision regarding her gender-critical stance.
The legal team maintains that Murray retains the right to speak on women’s and girls’ rights. Despite the choir having performed for Scope at previous marathons without incident, the charity has upheld its position, prioritising its commitment to support trans and non-binary disabled individuals.
Following public backlash, Scope extended a new invitation to the Singing Striders, which the group declined. Murray has expressed hope that Scope will reassess its handling of this matter, underscoring its broader implications not only for her but for all those associated with the charity.
Murray highlighted the importance of access to single-sex spaces, services, and care, particularly for disabled women and girls. Scope stated that it is aware of the intended claim but refrained from further comment at this time. This controversy arises after the UK Supreme Court’s unanimous ruling over a year ago, clarifying that the terms “woman” and “sex” in the Equality Act 2010 pertain to biological sex rather than gender identity. The Government has also faced criticism for its slow implementation of the ruling from April 2025.
In an era where social convictions collide with established frameworks, the unfolding legal battle not only raises questions about inclusion and rights but underscores a growing divide within perceptions of gender and the values organisations profess to champion.
