Cardiff University bans guest speaker who said LGBTQ lessons are ‘ideological indoctrination’
Dr Kate Godfrey-Faussett was set to give a speech at the Welsh university organised by the Muslim Council of Wales
By Steve Brown
Cardiff University has banned a speaker from a event after she claimed LGBTQ lessons are ‘ideological indoctrination’.
Dr Kate Godfrey-Faussett was set to give a talk entitled Teaching Relationships and Sex Education – an event hosted at the Welsh university by the Muslim Council of Wales – but now, the psychologist is under investigation for saying that LGBTQ lessons are ‘not education’.
In clips of her speeches online, she said: “This is not education, this is ideological indoctrination that’s happening. The aim is to redefine sexuality and gender and family norms.”
LGBTQ charity Pride Cymru sent a letter to the university calling for her speech to be cancelled.
The letter said: “We are concerned that hosting such a controversial figure in Wales may cause unwarranted distress and concern within our diverse and inclusive communities in Wales.
“We do not wish to see a spread of the deeply divisive and damaging protests as seen most recently in Birmingham, coming to Wales especially as it would be promoted by Muslim Council for Wales. We therefore urge you to cancel this event.”
The Muslim Council of Wales also provided a statement which said: “The MCW is hosting Dr Kate Godfrey-Faussett, Waqqas Ali, and other local experts, in order to provide guidance on information both on the proposed changes, but also in how to deliver relationship and sex education in line is Islamic teachings.
“We understand Dr Kate Godfrey-Faussett is under investigation by her professional body. We have spoken with Dr Kate and are reassured that she is committed to respectful and accurate dialogue on the sensitive topic of sex education in schools.
“The MCW believes sex education is an important component of children’s upbringing, open and informed conversations between educators and parents is essential in achieving this.
“There should be no question that LGBT communities in Wales should be free to live and love whom they wish, without fear of attack, censure, or abuse, and as the Muslim Council of Wales we will work to make this a reality.
“We believe it is possible to deliver RSE in a way that maintains the trust of all the communities of Wales.”
According to ITV News, Cardiff University said the event did not follow their booking procedure resulting in the cancellation.
A spokesperson said: “The event has been organised on behalf of an external organisation with two external speakers. The event has not followed our booking procedure.
“Differing and often controversial views can be brought forward, listened to and challenged at universities.
“Our processes ensure that all reasonable steps are taken to ensure that – within the law – freedom of speech is secured.
“However, as this event has not followed our procedure for carrying out relevant due diligence, we have taken the decision not to allow it to go ahead.”