Oxford Union is accused of gagging free speech for advance vetting of controversial speakers
The Oxford Union has been accused of undermining free speech after agreeing to allow the vetting of controversial speakers.
The debating society, che risale a 1823, will assess the ‘impact’ of guests before allowing them to visit.
Particular deliberation is likely to apply to critics of the transgender atrio, pro-Life groups and those who advocate for Israel.
Chris McGovern is the Chairman of the Campaign for Real Education. He is a retired head teacher and a former advisor to the Policy Unit at 10 Downing Street
The Oxford Union was founded in 1823 and previous speakers include Winston Churchill, Richard Nixon and Professor Stephen Hawking
However the society plans to ‘restructure’ its invitations process to take into account any adverse effect on minority groups. Nella foto: Comedian Ricky Gervais at Oxford Union in June of 2017
Historically even the most controversial speakers were allowed to visit, including OJ Simpson in 1996 and Nick Griffin of the British National Party in 2007.
However the society plans to ‘restructure’ its invitations process to take into account any adverse effect on minority groups.
Documents show this could mean consulting ‘specialist student societies’. The proposal is the result of an independent review by lawyers.
Chris McGovern of the Campaign for Real Education claimed freedom of speech would be curtailed.
But a spokesman for the Oxford Union welcomed the review, aggiungendo: ‘We will defend any person’s right to freedom of speech within the law.’
