Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, More than 59,000 people are expected to complete the 26.2-mile course on Sunday
ByJane DougallBBC Sports Correspondent- Published34 minutes ago
The disability charity Scope has changed its mind at the 11th hour to allow a banned choir to attend the London Marathon.
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.
They have performed at the event on behalf of Scope for the past two years and were booked again for Sunday.
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.
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".
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.
"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.
"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."
As a journalist, Murray has written extensively on transgender issues, but says she has never brought her views to the choir or to the London Marathon.
"I try and keep my professional life separate from this choir, which is a hobby. I would never bring any views that might impact negatively on anyone else," she said.
Murray has welcomed the change of position from Scope, but says the Singing Striders may not participate, despite the reprieve.
Murray said: "While this is a win, the distress and uncertainty caused by this situation has taken its toll.
“At present, only one fellow choir member has said they feel comfortable performing. We are now considering our options."
