In the Media

Articles That Mention the Free Speech Union

Damages paid to literary editor sacked over “heavy five o’clock shadow” transgender remark

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Karolien Celie, legal officer at the Free Speech Union, said: “Sibyl fought courageously for her right to express her lawfully protected beliefs and we are pleased that the matter is now settled. This outcome is a victory not just for Sibyl but for all gender critical feminists – it serves as an important reminder to businesses to treat all staff, no matter their age or beliefs, fairly and with respect.”

Robert Mendick, The Telegraph, 7th September 2023.

Oxford transgender inclusion policy “stifles free speech”

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The Free Speech Union has written to the college claiming that England’s universities are not directed by law to treat students as though they are bound by the Equality Act. It said the college’s attempt to hold students accountable would “unduly inhibit free speech”. The Free Speech Union, led by the journalist Toby Young, has asked for the trans inclusion statement to be withdrawn or rewritten. Young claimed that under the Equality Act, students are treated as third parties and are not bound by its terms.

James Beal, The Times, 7th September 2023.

Diversity, equity and exclusion

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The Free Speech Union racked up another significant legal victory at the employment tribunal (ET) last month, securing what promises to be a significant pay-out for a dyslexic Lloyds bank manager sacked in a free speech row.

Freddie Attenborough, The Critic, 6th September 2023.

Firefighters urged to “embrace diversity” and use gender-neutral language during emergency callouts

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Toby Young, director of the Free Speech Union, said: “According to the most recent UK census, only 0.26 per cent of the population of England and Wales identify as trans or non-binary. Why, then, is Kent Fire and Rescue insisting firefighters address members of the public as ‘they’ or ‘them’? How is it ‘inclusive’ to pander to 0.26 per cent of the population by using language that will confuse 99.74 per cent?”

Connor Stringer, Daily Mail, 29th August 2023.

What went wrong at the Open University?

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The most recent and perhaps the most shocking case is that of Almut Gadow, who was sacked from her role teaching criminal law at the OU after she challenged new requirements to teach gender identity theory as an uncontested truth. Gadow is being supported by the Free Speech Union, whose founder and director is Michael Young’s son Toby.

Alice Sullivan, The Spectator, 28th August 2023.