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A controversial free-speech activist and author is slamming the London Public Library for barring her from delivering a public lecture at the downtown branch, a move she calls textbook illustration of contemporary censorship.

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Joanna Williams, a British commentator and lecturer, said she was scheduled to speak on Sex, Gender and the Limits of Free Speech on Campus at a meeting of a Canadian academic freedom group, but the librarys refusal to rent them space forced a change of venue.

Make no mistake, it is very clearly my views that the library objects to here. . . . They have set themselves up as gatekeepers of what can and cannot be said, she wrote in a column in Spiked, a publication that advocates for free speech.

The London Public Library seemingly has no problem hosting drag queen storytimes for young children. By stopping me from speaking, it is clearly taking sides in the gender debate and preventing the opposing view from being heard.

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Williams claims library officials asked the event organizers for background details on the content of her lecture during the process of booking the room. The request to rent space was denied by library officials, who said her lecture violated its policy and was likely to pose a risk of physical danger to participants or the audience or misuse of the property or equipment, she wrote in Spiked.

In a statement Thursday, London Public Library said there were multiple policy-related concerns that the board and senior leadership team considered when deciding not to rent space to the Society for Academic Freedom and Scholarship (SAFS).

The library said there was a risk or likelihood of physical danger to participants or the audience along with the potential or likelihood the event would negatively impact other peoples enjoyment of the facilities.

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The library also said the events content is or is likely a violation of its policies, including the rules of conduct and workplace harassment and sexual harassment prevention policies.

We respect that not everyone will agree with this decision, and we value the many perspectives that may be shared about this situation, library officials said in a statement.

London Public Library is committed to supporting Londoners and the community of London. We are guided in this work by our primary values of exceptional customer service and anti-racism and anti-oppression, which we hold alongside the values of strong relationships, digital empowerment, accountability and responsibility.

Debates over gender identity and the inclusion of transgender individuals in traditionally single-sex spaces and sports have flared in recent years, with strong opinions on both sides.

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Williams is speaking during the annual meeting of the SAFS, which was founded in London in 1992.

The non-partisan Halifax-based group advocates against codes of conduct for speech, so-called anti-hate legislation that infringes on academics ability to teach and research controversial subjects and diversity policies that favour student or faculty groups based on race or sex instead of merit-based grounds, its website says.

The non-profits two-day annual meeting starts in London on Friday.

Williams talk is now being held at a downtown hotel, the Delta London Armouries, Friday evening.

Williams is also the author of several books, including How Woke Won: The Elitist Movement that Threatens Democracy, Tolerance and Reason, which was released last fall.

See the article here:
Culture wars flare at London library over speaker's blocked lecture on gender - The London Free Press