Up to a thousand protesters are expected to show their opposition to professor Kathleen Stock's Oxford Union talk this evening and the police has warned ‘proportionate action’ will be taken where necessary.
The Oxford Union will host feminist Prof Stock and her invitation has caused great controversy, with the University’s LGBTQ+ society warning it will protest to stand up for trans rights.
A coalition of Oxford organisations and activists are set to hold a Trans+ Pride event in the city centre, and this will culminate in a rally which is set to end outside the Oxford Union.
Prof Stock's invitation has been regarded as controversial, as in the past she has spoken against proposed changes to the Gender Recongition Act, which would allow gender self-identification without a medical diagnosis.
READ MORE: Oxford Union president criticises 'worrying' free speech trend
A Thames Valley Police spokesman has said the force will endeavour to “balance the rights of protestors with the needs of the local community”.
He said: “We will have appropriate resources in place to facilitate lawful and peaceful protest, as is our legal obligation.
“However, where people engage in non-peaceful protest or disrupt those going about their lawful business, we will take proportionate action.”
READ MORE: Oxford Union trans row: Rishi Sunak calls out 'vocal few'
A Thames Valley Police spokesman said it was “working with the event organisers and protest groups” and if people nearby the protest have concerns they are encouraged to speak to a police officer or police member of staff.
In a statement last month, the Oxford University LGBTQ+ society called for Prof Stock’s invitation to speak to be rescinded as it claimed she was “transphobic and trans-exclusionary”.
It also accused the Oxford Union of “disregarding” the welfare of the society’s members under the guise of free speech.
Prof Stock said on Twitter that the society’s statement contained “several falsehoods”, was “probably defamatory” and made it look “utterly ridiculous”.
He said: "A free society requires free debate.
“We should all be encouraged to engage respectfully with the ideas of others.
“University should be an environment where debate is supported, not stifled.
“We mustn’t allow a small but vocal few to shut down discussion.
“Kathleen Stock’s invitation to the Oxford Union should stand.
“Agree or disagree with her, Prof Stock is an important figure in this argument.”
Mr Sunak said a “tolerant society is one which allows us to understand those we disagree with” and he emphasised that “nowhere is that more important than within our great universities”.
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