In a stunning reversal, the National Library of Scotland has backtracked on its decision to cancel an exhibition event for a gender-critical book, following a fierce public outcry and accusations of censorship.
The controversy erupted when the library abruptly cancelled a planned event for authors Joan Forster and Marion Heuch to present their book, 'The New Politics of Sex: The Sexual Revolution: Then and Now'. The initial cancellation, which the library attributed to 'health and safety' concerns, was met with immediate scepticism and anger.
The move was widely condemned by authors, free speech advocates, and public figures, who accused the institution of suppressing legitimate debate. The backlash culminated in a strongly-worded letter from Authors United, a group representing prominent writers, which threatened to boycott the library if it did not reconsider its position.
Facing mounting pressure, the library's chief executive, Amina Shah, issued a public apology. In her statement, she conceded that the institution's handling of the event was a 'mistake' and that the initial reasoning was 'unclear and inadequate'. She reaffirmed the library's commitment to being a place for 'respectful and robust debate on a wide range of subjects'.
The event is now back on, with the library pledging to host the authors and ensure a safe environment for all attendees and staff. This dramatic u-turn highlights the ongoing and deeply polarised tensions surrounding gender identity debates in public institutions and the power of public pressure in upholding free speech principles.
