CALNE Town Council have just announced that the planned talk at the Town Hall on Friday will not be going ahead.
Carl Benjamin, known for his right-wing views and critiques of feminism, identity politics, and political correctness was due to speak at an event named "British Identity and the Modern Male". The event had been booked an organised independently of the council by Violette Simpson.
When it was advertised on social media at the weekend, some residents were quick to question Calne Town Council's decision to allow Benjamin to use their premises, accusing them of providing a platform for "misogynistic" and "harmful" views. The argument raged on yesterday following Calne New's coverage of the event and subsequent reaction.
Some councillors voiced their concerns about the event going ahead, Cllr Bobby Seymour said: ""I'm concerned about this event being held at the Town Hall, which should remain a neutral and safe space for all residents. It is scheduled for 7pm on a Friday, when many young people are in the town centre for the OpenBlue youth bus."
Cllr Orrey Pike echoed these sentiments adding: "As already outlined, Mr Benjamin has a history of making comments that many find deeply offensive — particularly towards women, minority groups, and victims of sexual violence. Several other institutions have already declined to host him such as the University of the West of England and Exeter Cathedral on this basis, and I believe we should do the same.
"Allowing this event to go ahead risks reputational damage to the Council, potential conflict on our doorstep and alienation of community members who already feel excluded or unsafe. The Town Hall should be a space that brings people together, not one that amplifies division or invites hostility."
With opinions divided, the town council took the unprecedented move of contacting each of Calne Town Councillors to vote for or against the event taking place.
A statement released from Calne Town Council today reads:
We wish to inform the public that a provisional booking for a private event scheduled for Friday, 20 June, at the Town Hall, involving a speaker addressing a ticketed audience, has not been approved by Town Councillors.
This decision was made after careful consideration. As a result, the event will not proceed at the Town Hall. A majority of Councillors did not approve the hire.
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