An apology has been issued by the Scouts Association for its probe into campaigner Maya Forstater after a complaint she “misgendered” Dundee councillor Gregor Murray.
Gregor Murray complained after fellow Scout leader Maya Forstater called them “he” on social media in 2019, despite the councillor using they/them pronouns.
But Ms Forstater, who was backed by author JK Rowling, said that her use of “he” had been inadvertent as she characterised the complaint as vexatious.
An investigation ruled Ms Forstater had brought the Scouts organisation into disrepute, but a letter shared on social media showed they have now U-turned on the original probe.
Is this true, @ScoutsScotland ?
If so, please consider this my resignation, @freeby67 – clearly scouting is not a safe space for trans people. https://t.co/aSTl9e45nE
— Rev Gregor/Fisher Murray (@grogipher) December 19, 2021
Ms Forstater got into a discussion with the councillor on social media after questioning the Scouts’ transgender policy, but referred to Murray as “he”.
Ms Forstater rose to prominence after taking her former employer to court, challenging their decision not to renew her contract.
She alleged this was due to her “philosophical beliefs” in relation to sex and gender, an argument that was dismissed at first instance but upheld on appeal.
The conversation with Gregor, who represents the North East ward, had occurred at around the same time as her original tribunal.
‘It is clear you did not deliberately misgender in order to cause harm’
The apology from the Scouts to Ms Forstater said she “did not deliberately misgender the complainant in order to cause harm”.
“The evidence that you provided in response to the complaint, to demonstrate that it was vexatious was not considered at the appropriate time by the Scout Association,” the letter said.
“If it had been, the complaint may well have been found to have been vexatious.
“In any case it is clear you did not deliberately misgender the complainant in order to cause harm and did not spread lies and misinformation about them, as alleged in their complaint about you.
“The Scout Association therefore apologises for the experience you have encountered through this process which has gone on for over two years.”
Scouts ‘not a safe space for trans people’
Responding on social media, Gregor said if the letter was true they would resign from the Scouts.
“Clearly scouting is not a safe space for trans people,” they added.
Gregor told The Courier: “I am very disappointed to see the Scout Association kowtow to bigotry.
“I think that sends the wrong message to the amazing young people we work with.
“I think the association’s actions are incongruent with their stated aims and values, particularly their promise to be ‘youth shaped’ and inclusive.
I am very disappointed to see the Scout Association kowtow to bigotry.”
Gregor Murray
“This is an unfortunate example of those with the most privilege demonstrating utter cowardice, and doing what is easy, rather than what is right.
“I will continue to fight for trans adults and young people, even though I don’t have the platform or resources that my opponents do.
“I urge all organisations who may work with trans people to stand up for their most vulnerable members.”
A Scouts UK spokesman did not respond directly to questions about Gregor Murray’s comments that the organisation was not safe for trans people.
“We are aware of this case,” he said.
“This matter has taken some time to resolve but has now been concluded.
“It is inappropriate for us to comment further on a case that has been closed.”
